Spread the word to families about K-12 tax benefits

Greetings!

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, the Minnesota Department of Revenue would like your help informing families about two state programs: the Minnesota K‑12 Education Subtraction and the K-12 Education Credit. Many families do not know about, or take advantage of, these valuable tax benefits that can help pay for their education expenses.

What should families know about these tax benefits?

These benefits can reduce parents’ taxes and increase their refund, but only if they save receipts for their qualifying education expenses.

Most Minnesota parents qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit. The credit can refund up to 75 percent of parents’ costs – even if they do not owe tax.

What education expenses qualify?

Generally, most expenses paid for educational instruction or materials qualify, including:

• Paper
• Pens and notebooks
• Textbooks
• Rental or purchases of educational equipment, including musical instruments
• Computer hardware and educational software (up to $200 for the subtraction and credit)
• After-school tutoring and educational summer camps taught by a qualified instructor

 

How can I help inform parents?

 

Visit our K-12 Promotional Materials page to find handouts, sample messages, and our promotional video.

• Distribute the K-12 informational handout to families. Our handout is also available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
• Post the sample messages on your social media accounts or school newsletters.
• Share the K-12 Education Tax Credit video with families.   

Questions?

If you have questions or need more information, contact us:

• Melissa Xiong: melissa.xiong@state.mn.us or 651-556-6613
• Mathias Simon: mathias.simon@state.mn.us or 651-556-6616

Thank you!