Illinois Families and Teachers Urged to Claim Back-to-School Tax Credits

Governor Pritzker and Illinois tax officials are urging parents and teachers to take advantage of education-related tax credits to help offset the rising back-to-school costs.

Support for Parents and Guardians

As students get back into classrooms across Illinois, famalies are being reminded that tax relief is available on 2025 state income tax returns, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).

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Parents and guardians of students in K-12 may be eligible to receive a 25 percent Illinois Education Expense tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250, up to $750 per household.

In 2024, more than 197,000 taxpayers claimed the credit, totaling $64 million in savings, with the average household receiving $324.

Tuition, book rentals, and lab fees are all eligible expenses, and home-schooled students may also qualify when book rentals and lab fees are part of an approved curriculum.

Relief for Educators

Teachers and school staff who use money out of their own pocket for classroom supplies can also benefit from the K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit.

Qualified instructors, counselors, principals, and teacher aides can all claim up to $500 for out-of-pocket purchases.

Married couples filing jointly who are both educators can claim up to $1,000. More than 81,000 Illinois educators claimed this credit, saving a combined $35.5 million.

State Officials Encourage Awareness

Taxpayers should save receipts for all qualifying purchases to make sure of eligibility when filing.

These tax credits will put money back in the pockets of working families, improve learning environments for students statewide, and make this busy time easier for parents and teachers. -Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

For additional information about Illinois tax credits and what items qualify, CLICK HERE.