New Tax Deduction for Arkansas Educators

pencil-432613Q: I am about to file my taxes, isn’t there a new state law to help educators? 

A: Yes! As of July 1, 2017 most public school educators in Arkansas are now eligible for a new state income tax deduction called the Teacher’s Classroom Investment Deduction.
An educator is eligible for a deduction of up to $250 or $500 for two educators filing jointly. Note that this is in addition to the existing federal tax deduction.

Q: What can I count toward this deduction?

A: Qualified classroom investment expenses – This means materials used in the classroom, including books, school supplies, computer equipment and software, athletic equipment, food for the teacher’s students and clothing for the teacher’s students.

Q: Who is eligible for this tax deduction?

A: In the new law “Teacher” means a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide for students in any grade from prekindergarten through grade 12 who is employed for at least 900 hours in a tax year at a school certified by the state to provide public preschool, elementary, or secondary education.