Tax breaks extended for tuition/teachers

Scott Teague
The Union-Recorder

January 08, 2007 02:07 pm

— By SCOTT TEAGUE
Staff Writer
Tax breaks for college tuition and for educators have been extended for two years, but filing taxes could confuse some tax payers this year, according to an Internal Revenue Service spokesman.
The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 extends tax breaks to tax payers claiming college tuition and educators claiming out-of-pocket classroom expenses.
Because Congress passed the act after the paper tax forms were printed, taxpayers will need to pay extra attention to their 1040 form, said IRS spokesman Mark Green.
The Educator Expense Adjustment to Income deduction will allow educators to take a deduction of up to $250 for out-of-pocket classroom expenses.
President of Georgia Association of Educators Jeff Hubbard said the deduction is a boon to the state’s educators, something for which Hubbard said he and his organization are appreciative as well as of the efforts of Georgia’s legislative delegation in getting the tax-break extension.
“The average educator spends well over $400 to $500 per year for classroom supplies for their students,” he said. “It’s so crucial that we provide the necessary tools for our students. [The deduction] is like a ‘thank you’ from the federal government.”
For the rest of the story, Jan. 6 print edition of The Union-Recorder.