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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 1:47:52 PM

I teach Early Childhood Special Education for a public school. Can I still deduct as a teacher even though my students are not yet in Kindergarten?

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Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 1:47:54 PM

Unfortunately, you cannot claim the Educator expenses deduction as you are not an eligible educator.

This is the IRS definition of an eligible educator:

You're an eligible educator if, for the tax year you're a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide for at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc458