Kissell wants to make teacher tax credit permanent

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell (D-NC) wants to continue the tax deduction the IRS allows educators to take for certain “out of pocket” classroom expenses. Kissell has introduced legislation in the House that would extend the educator tax deduction through 2011. Currently, elementary and secondary teachers can deduct up to $250 on their income taxes for certain classroom expenses they purchase using their own money.

Studies show that teachers are spending more of their own funds each year to supply their classrooms and purchase essential items such as pencils, glue, scissors and facial tissues. According to the National School Supply and Equipment Association, educators’ out of pocket expenses for the 2005-2006 school year, on average, totaled nearly $2000--$826 for classroom supplies and $926 for instructional materials.

While NEA supports Kissell’s bill, Association lobbyists will continue to work to increase the deduction amount and make it a permanent part of the nation’s federal tax code. The Association would also like to see the deduction apply to principals, teacher aides, and early childhood teachers.