Eligible educators can deduct from their federal income taxes up to $300 of unreimbursed expenses for books, supplies, computer equipment (including related software and services), other equipment and supplementary materials they use in the classroom, according to the IRS. The educator expense deduction is an "adjustment to gross income," so you can use it whether or not you use the standard deduction or itemize deductions.
To be eligible for this deduction, you must work for at least 900 hours during a school year at a school that provides elementary or secondary education as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide. Read more about educator deductions via the IRS »
If you are married, filing jointly, and both spouses are educators, you can deduct up to $600, but not more than $300 each. For courses in health and physical education, expenses for supplies are qualified expenses only if they are related to athletics. You should keep documentation, such as receipts or canceled checks, for any deductions you take.
You may also deduct your union dues from your state income taxes if you itemize deductions on your state tax return form, but not on your federal taxes, as a result of 2017 federal tax law changes.