Back to school shopping?
Through Minnesota’s K-12 education credit and/or subtraction, families with students in kindergarten through 12th grade can lower their taxes paid (via the subtraction) or, if they qualify, receive a larger refund (via the credit). For the credit, families who meet income requirements and have proper documentation of purchases can receive up to 75% reimbursement on qualifying educational expenses from throughout the year – including school supplies.
Summary of eligibility for the credit depends upon family size and household income:
- Families with 1-2 children in K-12 and income less than $37,500
- Families with 3 children in K-12 and income less than $39,500
- Families with 4 children in K-12 and income less than $41,500
- Families with 5 children in K-12 and income less than $43,500
- Families with more than 5 children in K-12 and income less than $43,500 plus $2,000 for every additional child in K-12
More details on eligibility requirements.
Summary of qualifying expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, etc. for use during the school day
- Non-religious academic books purchased for use during the regular school day
- Qualified instructor fees for after-school and summer educational programs
- Music lessons
- Computer hardware or education software
To claim the K-12 education credit and/or subtraction, taxpayers must have documentation of the purchases such as itemized cash register receipts and invoices to prove any specific qualifying expense.
