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IDOR News & Updates - August 18, 2026
Back-to-School Savings: Don’t Miss Out on Valuable Tax Credits
As a new school year begins, Illinois parents and teachers are reminded that help is available at tax time. Whether stocking up on supplies or investing in classrooms, state tax credits can ease the cost of school expenses.
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For Parents & Guardians
The K‑12 Education Expense Tax Credit gives parents and legal guardians of full‑time students (under age 21) a tax break on qualified education costs.
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Claim 25% of eligible education expenses after the first $250, up to $750 per household.
- Eligible expenses include:
- Tuition
- Book rentals
- Lab fees paid to the school
- Home‑school families may also qualify for book rentals and lab fees tied to an approved curriculum.
📈 Last year, nearly 208,000 Illinois families claimed this credit, saving over $68 million. The average family received $331 back.
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For Educators
Many educators use personal funds to support their classrooms. The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit helps offset those costs.
- Eligible educators—including teachers, aides, counselors, and principals—who work at least 900 hours in a full‑time K‑12 school can claim up to $500 in tax credits for classroom materials.
- Married couples who are both eligible educators and file jointly may claim up to $1,000.
📈 Last year, more than 85,000 Illinois educators used this credit, saving over $36.9 million.
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