I am a school-based therapist who has to purchase a lot of her own supplies. Do I qualify for the educator expense deduction?

[hbl3973]

Good question.  The IRS states in (https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc458:(

"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."

You don't state what type of therapist you are and whether you are an employee or a contractor for the school.

[KellyS35]

I have the same question. I don't know why it matters what kind of therapist. I'm an occupational therapist. My co-worker is a speech therapist and has the same question. We both work for a Exceptional Children staffing company that contracts to schools but we work exclusively in schools all year (well over 900 hours) and we spend so much money on supplies it'd be nice to write some off. 

[LenaH]

No, you would not qualify because you are a contractor for the schools. To be eligible for the Educator Expense Tax Deduction, you must be employed by a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined by state law. 

For more information, please see What is the Educator Expense Tax Deduction?

@KellyS35

[SLP92]

Does this mean that if you are an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech language pathologist who is employed by the school district (not contract) you would qualify for the teacher (educator) expenses?

[Vanessa A]

Correct.  Not all school district employees count as educators.  You must be directly involved in the education process, not as support staff. 

The Educator Expense Tax Deduction

"The primary tax break for teachers is the Educator Expense Deduction.  To qualify for the Educator Expense Deduction for a given year, you need to meet three criteria:

1. You worked as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
2. You worked at least 900 hours at a school certified by a state to provide elementary or secondary education. This applies to public, private, and religious schools.
3. You spent money on qualified educator expenses."