I am a public school music teacher. Could I write off an instrument that I use for class? Is there a maximum deductable amount?

[Ohrlund]

I do not use it for making money outside of school.

[xmasbaby0]

If you are a W-2 employee you cannot deduct job-related expenses on a federal tax return.

  Job-related expenses were eliminated as a deduction for W-2 employees by the tax laws that changed for 2018 and beyond.  Your state tax laws might be different in AL, AR, CA, HI, MN, NY or PA.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4482873-which-federal-tax-deductions-have-been-suspended-by-tax-re...

[AamilD · Accepted solution]

It depends. You can deduct it, if you meet the following criteria:

• Work as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or classroom aide
• Work with students in kindergarten through grade 12
• Complete at least 900 hours of work during the school year
• Be employed by a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined by state law

The Educator Expense Deduction allows eligible educators to deduct up to $250 worth of qualified expenses from their income. However, you can’t deduct expenses reimbursed by your school, covered by a grant or another source.

If you meet all the above criteria then you can take a deduction for up to $250 worth of qualified expenses. To enter this information in TurboTax, please login to your account & follow the steps below:

• Click on Tax Home on the Left Side Menu
• Find the Deductions and Credits tab
• Scroll down to Employment Expenses
• Click Start next to Teacher expenses

Additionally, please visit Educator Expense Tax Deduction for more information.

Please refer to the image below for further reference.

 

[Hal_Al]

Q. Could I write off an instrument that I use for class?

A. Yes.  Reference https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/college-and-education/tax-tips-for-teachers-deducting-out-of-po...

Q. Is there a maximum deductible amount?

A. Yes. $250 total for the year.