Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Revenue Urge Illinois Families and Teachers to Maximize School Tax Credits for 2026

Springfield - As a new academic year begins across Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are highlighting valuable state tax credits available to parents, guardians, and educators to offset the cost of school expenses. Both families and educators can secure vital financial relief on their upcoming state tax returns by claiming deductions on qualified purchases like classroom materials, tuition, and required school fees.

"Lowering costs for working families remains our top priority, especially during the busy back-to-school season," said Governor JB Pritzker. "These tax credits are putting money back in the hands of hardworking parents and dedicated teachers who constantly invest in our children's future."

Tax Relief for Parents and Guardians

The Illinois K-12 Education Expense Tax Credit allows parents or legal guardians of full-time students under age 21 to claim a 25 percent tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250. The maximum credit is $750 per household, regardless of the number of qualifying students. Eligible expenses include tuition, book rentals, and lab fees paid to the student's school. For home-schooled students, book rentals and lab fees over $250 qualify when they are part of an approved home school curriculum. In previous filing cycles, more than 207,900 Illinois taxpayers claimed the Education Expense Credit, totaling over $68 million with an average credit amounting to $331.

"We know the cost of educating children can add up quickly for families and educators and these tax credits provide a wonderful opportunity to help offset expenses," said IDOR Director David Harris. "We encourage eligible families and educators to take advantage of these tax credits and keep their receipts so they can claim them when filing their state income tax returns."

Support for Educators

The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit supports teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides who work at least 900 hours in a full-time K-12 school during the school year. Eligible educators can claim up to $500 in tax credits for out-of-pocket spending on classroom materials. Married couples who are both qualifying educators and file jointly may claim up to $1,000. In previous filing cycles, more than 85,100 educators claimed this credit, totaling over $36.9 million in savings.

Taxpayers must retain physical or digital receipts for all qualifying purchases to ensure proper documentation during tax season.