Lemont, IL…As the new school year gets underway, State Representative Nicole La Ha (R-Lemont) and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are reminding eligible taxpayers that they may claim back-to-school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2025 Illinois income tax returns.
“As inflation takes its toll on hardworking families, every cost savings is important,” Rep. Nicole La Ha said. “This tax credit can help ease the financial burden of back-to-school expenses for K-12 students.”
The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student under the age of 21 to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students. For tax years ending on or after December 31, 2017, the credit is not allowed if a taxpayer’s federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeds $500,000 for returns with a federal filing status of married filing jointly, or $250,000 for all other returns.
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 home schooled students, book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.
Additional information regarding both tax credits may be found by visiting IDOR’s website at tax.illinois.gov and at Pub-112, Education Expense Credit General Rules and Requirements for Schools, Home Schools, Parents, and Guardians.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Don’t forget to follow Rep. La Ha on Facebook!