(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Last year’s sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping is not back this year, but the state is reminding parents and teachers of other tax breaks.
Parents can take a 25% state income tax credit on school fees for full-time students in kindergarten through high school. The credit is for expenses such as tuition, book rental or lab fees over $250. More than 207,000 people took advantage of the tax credit last year with the average amount claimed at $320.
The state doubled the tax credit for teachers offering up to $500 dollars now for classroom materials they buy themselves. Last year, the state lowered the sales tax on clothes and school supplies in mid-August by 5%.
“Teachers and parents both invest a great deal in educational costs, so I encourage them to take advantage of the valuable savings offered through both the Illinois Educational Expense Credit (for parents) and the Instructional Materials and Supply Credit (for teachers),” said Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris.
“It is important that all receipts are saved for qualifying purchases, so they are accessible when it is time to file taxes.”
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