Tax Benefit Opportunities- Save Receipts for School Supplies!

Minnesota has two tax relief programs for families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade: the K-12 Education Subtraction, and the K-12 Education Credit. Both programs help lower taxes and may provide a larger refund.

To qualify for either program, you must:

• Have a qualifying child attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private, or qualified home school.
• Have paid “qualified education expenses” during the year for that child’s education.

For answers not provided in the details below, more information on who qualifies, and for the most up-to-date forms visit the MN Department of Revenue Website.

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K-12 Education Subtraction

You may qualify for the subtraction if your qualifying child attends a school located in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. There is no income limit, and you may qualify regardless of your filing status. These benefits can reduce parents’ taxes to increase their refund, but is only available for those who keep their receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible.

Your subtraction amount depends on your qualifying child’s grade level.

 Claim the Credit for Subtraction

You must have documentation, such as itemized cash register receipts and invoices, to prove you paid qualifying expenses. Save your receipts and other documentation as the state may ask to review them.

For details and forms, see:

• K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit (forms)
• Minnesota Individual Income Tax Instructions (Form M1)
• K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit (Income Tax Fact Sheet 8)
• Qualifying Home School Expenses (Income Tax Fact Sheet 8a)
• Minnesota Statutes, section 290.0674 (Minnesota Education Credit)