ST. PAUL, MN -- With back-to-school shopping in full swing, Rep. Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley) is reminding parents that Minnesota has both a credit and a subtraction for education expenses. Those families interested in claiming these tax benefits should save all receipts related to school supplies.
“While some students may not be the most excited for the start of another school year and the end of summer, Minnesota parents have much to be excited about this school year with back-to-school tax benefits,” Rep. Backer said.
Most school supplies qualify for the credit or subtraction, including: writing utensils, textbooks, and musical instrument rentals. Common items that do not qualify for the subtraction or credit include: school lunches, uniforms, backpacks, and more. Full details about the Education Subtraction and Credit can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us.
While the education subtraction is not subject to income limits, the credit is limited to households with incomes less than $37,500 for families with 1-2 children, $39,500 for families with 3 children, and adding $2,000 per child for families with 4 or more children. According to the Department of Revenue, more than 43,000 families took advantage of the education credit saving an average of $242. In all, nearly 200,000 families took advantage of the education subtraction.
Rep. Backer encourages constituents who have questions about the credit or subtraction to contact his office at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn, or by calling 651-296-4929 or 701-361-1909.
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