Washington, DC - As the April 15 deadline to file tax returns approaches, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) encourages teachers, teachers' aides, principals and counselors to take advantage of a federal tax deduction for school supplies purchased with their own money. 

The $250 deduction - available to educators regardless of whether they itemize -  can be taken by an educator for unreimbursed school-related expenses for items such as books, pencils, scissors, paper and art supplies, computer equipment, and other supplementary materials used in the classroom.

According to the National Education Association, teachers spend an average of $443 of their own money each year on school supplies for their students.

"It is unfortunate that teachers are often not provided with all the school supplies they need to effectively teach their students in the classroom,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.  “By making this tax deduction available, Congress is attempting to help the many caring teachers who use their own money to purchase necessities such as notebooks and pencils for their students.  These educators are to be commended for their commitment to our children."

The tax deduction can be taken by both public and private school educators from kindergarten through 12th grade.  To be eligible, the educator must work in a school for at least 900 hours in a school year. In addition, teachers must be prepared to show receipts for the eligible purchases.  For more information about the educator expenses tax deduction, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=173811,00.html or contact the IRS directly at 1-800- 829-1040.