With back-to-school shopping in full swing, Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, is reminding Minnesota parents about tax benefits for their 2017 Minnesota tax return for many school supplies, according to a press release. Minnesota has both a credit and a subtraction for education expenses. The Department of Revenue has reminded families interested in claiming these tax benefits to save all receipts related to school supplies.

“As a former teacher, I know how school supply lists, musical instruments, and more can be a weighty purchase for parents, and can stretch family budgets to the limit,” Bennett said. “This tax benefit is an important way for working families to help offset those school-related costs.”

Most school supplies qualify for the credit or subtraction, including writing utensils, textbooks, and musical instrument rentals. Common items that don’t qualify for the subtraction or credit include school lunches, uniforms, backpacks, and more. Parents are encouraged to check the Revenue website to determine which expenses qualify.

While the education subtraction is not subject to income limits, the credit is limited to households with incomes less than $37,500 for families with 1-2 children, $39,500 for families with 3 children, and adding $2,000 per child for families with 4 or more children. According to the Department of Revenue, more than 43,000 families took advantage of the education credit saving an average of $242. In all, nearly 200,000 families took advantage of the education subtraction.

Full details about the Education Subtraction and Credit can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website at www.revenue.state.mn.us. Bennett encouraged constituents who have questions about the credit or subtraction to contact her office at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn or by calling 651-296-8216.