Taxpayers May Receive Annual Tax Credit to Assist With Cost of Educational Materials
Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight has introduced legislation to defray the cost of books and other materials for parents who home-school their children.
“Regardless of where or how they are educated, all students in New Jersey deserve access to resources that will support their development and prepare them to compete in the global economy,” said McKnight (D-Hudson). “If parents decide that the home is the best learning environment for their children, a tax credit can help offset the cost of the many expensive yet fundamental educational resources they will need.”
The bill (A-4971) would allow taxpayers with incomes up to $150,000 to claim a tax credit in an amount equal to their expenses related to home schooling. Under the legislation, taxpayers may receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 per child, for a maximum total of $3,000 in a taxable year.
“For a middle-class family seeking an alternative to a traditional public school, cost may be a factor that puts certain options out of reach,” said McKnight. “This tax credit will help ensure that the focal point for those considering home schooling is the student’s best interests, not the price tag.”
Expenditures for the following items would be considered qualified home-school expenses: educational textbooks, workbooks and teachers’ edition books; computer software whose primary purpose is teaching or self-learning; rental fees for educational curricula; and membership fees for libraries and academic institutions and organizations.
The measure was referred to the Assembly Education Committee.