The Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding parents that most school supply purchases qualify for valuable K-12 tax benefits on 2019 Minnesota income tax return.

Remember to save your school supply receipts.

“Every year, parents across Minnesota invest in their children’s education by purchasing school supplies,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “Parents should keep receipts for these purchases and claim the K-12 Education Credit or Subtraction to help save money when it comes time to file taxes.”

Two Minnesota tax benefits help families pay their child’s education expenses: the K-12 Education Credit and the K-12 Education Subtraction.

Both benefits reduce your state tax and could provide you a larger refund when filing your Minnesota income tax return. Last year, more than 33,000 families received the K-12 Education Credit and saved an average of $244. Over 178,000 families received the K-12 Education Subtraction.

To qualify, you must have purchased educational services or materials in 2019 to assist with your child’s education. Your child must also be attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private, or home school. Separate requirements apply for the credit and subtraction.

Most expenses for educational instruction or materials qualify, including:

•Paper

•Pens and notebooks

•Textbooks

•Rental or purchase of educational equipment, including musical instruments

•Computer hardware and educational software (up to $200 for the subtraction and credit)

•After-school tutoring and educational summer camps taught by a qualified instructor