In Illinois, homeschool expenses can be deducted, including lab costs (like gym, art, science, etc.). I have calculated costs for materials (books), as well as costs for dance (gym) and voice and piano (music). Can all three of these be added together and deducted, or is it safer to just stick with materials?
Not all materials are deductible, see the following description of nondeductible expenses.
Since the maximum credit is $500, with the first $250 spent not counting toward the credit.you can really only receive a credit on expenses up to $2250, so focus on gathering amounts that make up that amount, not just all expenses.
"Education expenses that do not qualify for an education
expense credit include the amount of
expenses paid to purchase items that are not significantly
used up during the student’s participation in the class
(e.g., non-consumable textbooks, flash cards, wall maps,
calculators, etc.).
expenses paid to purchase an item that will remain the
personal property of the student, parent, or legal guardian
at the end of the school year (e.g., payments made
toward the purchase of a band instrument or athletic
equipment).
mileage or travel expenses paid to travel to school, lab
activities, or field trips.
expenses paid for tutoring or enrichment classes that do
not count toward meeting the required curriculum."
You will be allowed 25 percent of your student’s qualified
education expenses after the first $250. Your total credit may
not exceed $500 in any year, regardless of the number of
qualifying students.