The Minnesota Department of Revenue reminds parents and caregivers that by saving back-to-school shopping receipts for purchases made this year, they can claim valuable K-12 tax benefits at tax time next year.
Two tax benefits can help Minnesota families pay expenses related to their child’s education: the refundable K-12 Education Credit (income limits apply) and the K-12 Education Subtraction (no income limits).
Last year, more than 46,000 families received the K-12 Education Credit for an average credit of $389. Over 123,000 families received the K-12 Education Subtraction for an average subtraction of $1,491.
To qualify, the purchases must be for educational services or required materials. The child must be attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private, or qualified home school and meet other qualifications.
Save those receipts for documentation purposes
When reviewing tax returns that claim the credit or subtraction, the department may request documentation of qualifying school supply purchases. It’s important that families remember to save those receipts. Use a folder or envelope to store receipts for the upcoming tax filing season.
Most expenses for educational instruction or materials qualify, including:
- Paper
- Pens and notebooks
- Textbooks
- Rental or purchase of educational equipment, such as musical instruments
- Computer hardware (hotspots, modems, and routers) and educational software (up to $200 for the subtraction and $200 for the credit) *
- After-school tutoring and educational summer camps taught by a qualified instructor
*Fees for internet service do not qualify
Household Income for the K-12 Education Credit for tax year 2026
| Number of qualifying children in K-12 | Household income must be less than |
| 1 or 2 | $83,550 |
| 3 | $86,550 |
| More than 3 | $89,550 plus $3,000 for each additional child |
Note: Taxpayers who are not required to file an income tax return must do so to claim a refund for any eligible education credit.
K-12 Education Subtraction
There are no income limits to qualify for the education subtraction. Most parents qualify. Parents can claim the K-12 Subtraction for tuition paid to private schools or college courses used to satisfy high school graduation requirements.
Check out this video to learn more about the K-12 education tax credit.
