FRANKFORT – Back-to-school season has kicked off, and State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding families they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2024 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As students head back to school, many parents feel it in their pocketbooks,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “School supplies can be expensive for families, and that’s why I encourage parents to save their receipts so they can have extra money in their pockets after tax season.” 

The Hastings-led Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year, up to $750 per household. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For homeschooled students, book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified homeschool program.

The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit allows eligible teachers of full-time K-12 students to receive a tax break for qualified expenses on classroom materials paid during the taxable year. To qualify, taxpayers must be teachers, instructors, counselors, principals or aides for at least 900 hours during a school year.

“Teachers spending their own money has gone on for way too long,” Hastings said. “We must continue to ensure teachers and the children of the South Suburbs have access to the tools needed to become future leaders and innovators in our great state.”

To learn more about the Illinois Education Expense Credit, visit the Illinois Department of Revenue's website at tax.illinois.gov.