BURBANK—With back-to-school season upon us, State Senator Mike Porfirio is reminding taxpayers they may be able to claim school expenses for their students on their 2023 income tax returns.

“Tax credits such as these help make education more accessible for our students,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Expenses related to textbooks and other educational materials can be hefty for parents and educators. Through these breaks, taxpayers can have some of that financial burden alleviated.”

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental and lab fees.

Additionally, the K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit allows eligible teachers of full-time K-12 students to receive a tax break for qualified expenses on classroom materials paid during the taxable year. To qualify, taxpayers must be teachers, instructors, counselors, principals or aides in a qualified school for at least 900 hours during a school year.

“Parents and educators invest so much time and money into their students’ education, so we want to support them in their respective roles any way we can,” said Porfirio. “I encourage all residents to take advantage of these tax credits while they are available.”

To learn more about the Illinois Education Expense Credit, click here. For home schooled students, click here. For any additional information, visit the IDOR website.