I am a public school music teacher. Could I write off an instrument that I use for class? Is there a maximum deductable amount?

It depends. You can deduct it, if you meet the following criteria:

• Work as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or classroom aide
• Work with students in kindergarten through grade 12
• Complete at least 900 hours of work during the school year
• Be employed by a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined by state law

The Educator Expense Deduction allows eligible educators to deduct up to $250 worth of qualified expenses from their income. However, you can’t deduct expenses reimbursed by your school, covered by a grant or another source.

If you meet all the above criteria then you can take a deduction for up to $250 worth of qualified expenses. To enter this information in TurboTax, please login to your account & follow the steps below:

• Click on Tax Home on the Left Side Menu
• Find the Deductions and Credits tab
• Scroll down to Employment Expenses
• Click Start next to Teacher expenses

Additionally, please visit Educator Expense Tax Deduction for more information.

Please refer to the image below for further reference.