Information current as of October 2026.
In a few states, you can claim some of what you spend on your child’s education on your state tax return. You buy the books and curriculum yourself, keep your receipts, and claim the credit or deduction when you file.
Because there’s no approved-vendor list, this kind of help works with whatever store you choose. That includes ours, if you’d like. Just save your order receipts.
A credit or a deduction?
- A tax credit lowers the tax you owe, dollar for dollar.
- A deduction (or subtraction) lowers the income you’re taxed on, so it saves you a smaller amount.
- A refundable credit can be paid to you even if you owe no tax.
States with a tax break homeschoolers can use
| State | Program | What you can claim | Official info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | Parental Choice Tax Credit (2025) | Check with the program | Check with the Idaho State Tax Commission |
| Illinois | Education Expense Credit | A credit of 25% of qualifying expenses over $250, up to $750 per family. Homeschool counts as a private school for this credit. | Check with the Illinois Dept. of Revenue |
| Indiana | Private school / homeschool deduction | A $1,000 deduction per child | Check with the Indiana Dept. of Revenue |
| Louisiana | School Expense Deduction (home school) | A deduction of 50% of what you spend on textbooks and curricula, up to $6,000 per child | Get info ↗ |
| Minnesota | K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit | A subtraction of up to $1,625 per child (K-6) or $2,500 (7-12), plus a refundable credit for families under an income limit. Homeschool curriculum qualifies. | Get info ↗ |
| Oklahoma | Parental Choice Tax Credit | A refundable credit with a homeschool option. For the amount, check with the program. | Get info ↗ |
Each state decides what counts as a qualifying expense, so read your state’s rules before you file.
If you live in a state without an income tax, like Washington, a state tax break won’t apply to you.
529 plans and homeschooling
You may have heard that 529 plans can now pay for homeschool curriculum. The full story is a little more complicated, so here it is plainly.
What changed
A 2025 federal law expanded what 529 savings can pay for in grades K-12. For withdrawals after July 4, 2025, the list includes curriculum, books, instructional materials, online materials, outside tutoring, tests, dual enrollment, and certain therapies.
The yearly limit was $10,000 through 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, it’s $20,000 per student.
Keep in mind that this is your own savings getting a tax break. It isn’t new money or a grant.
Why it’s a gray area for homeschoolers
The law covers expenses connected to a “public, private, or religious school.” It doesn’t mention homeschooling.
- If your state’s law treats a homeschool as a private school, you’re on firmer ground.
- If it doesn’t, using 529 money for homeschool costs is uncertain. If the IRS disagrees, you could owe income tax plus a 10% penalty on the earnings part of the withdrawal.
- States also treat these withdrawals differently on state taxes. California, for example, taxes K-12 withdrawals at the state level.
Our honest suggestion
Before you use 529 money for homeschool costs, talk with a tax professional who knows your state’s homeschool law. Keep good records of every purchase either way.
Your 529 plan may also have helpful guidance. Utah’s official 529 plan, my529, explains the federal changes clearly.
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This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Please check with your state’s tax agency, your 529 plan, or a qualified tax professional about your family’s situation.
Information current as of October 2026.