Illinois Education Expense Credit
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows families a credit with full-time students under 21 years old for qualified education expenses exceeding $250.
Why this matters to families in Illinois:
This Illinois Education Expense Credit program gives parents the ability to choose alternate educational settings or services that are a better fit for their child’s learning needs. It ensures families have additional financial support for these choices.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
Tax Credit
Maximum Credit Amount Per Family: $750
The Illinois Education Expense Credit has a maximum credit of $750 per family. The credit covers 25% of education expenses over $250, and requires parents to have a state tax liability of at least $750. To receive the full $750 credit, parents must spend $3,250 on educational expenses. The credit is nonrefundable and cannot reduce an individual’s tax burden to less than zero.
Who is eligible for this program?
Student are eligible for the Illinois Education Expense Credit who are:
- residents of Illinois
- under 21 years old
- attend kindergarten through 12th grade in a public, private, or home school in Illinois
Qualified expenses include tuition, books, and lab or activity fees. There is an income limit for the tax credit where families with a federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeding $500,000 (married) or $250,000 (other returns) are not eligible for the credit.
How can families use the funds?
The funds from the Illinois Education Expense Credit can be used for qualified education expenses. These include expenses such as tuition, books, lab fees, and homeschooling expenses.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Income Limit: Families with a federal Adjusted Gross Income exceeding $500,000 (married) or $250,000 (other returns) are not eligible for the credit.
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Illinois and file an Illinois income tax return.
- Educational Status: Parents must ensure students are residents of Illinois and under 21 years old at the close of the school year. In addition, students must be full-time in grades K–12 in any qualifying public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school, including homeschools.
- Claim for Credit: Must spend over $250 on educational expenses to claim credit which is calculated as 25% of educational expenses up to a total amount of $3250 for the maximum amount of $750 per family. For example, if you spent $1250 on education expenses, you would receive a credit of $250 ($1250-250=$1000, then $1000*.25=$250).
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the parent meets the income and residency requirements. And, your child is under 21 years old attending a qualifying school in Illinois.
- Gather Documentation: Pay qualifying education expenses exceeding $250. A full list of qualifying expenses can be found in Publication 112 on the Illinois Revenue site.
- File Illinois State Income Tax Return: Complete Step 2, Section B of Schedule ICR including the K-12 Education Expense Credit Worksheet to claim the credit. Seek assistance from professional advisors if needed to ensure compliance with program requirements and maximize your tax benefits. For more information, refer to the Illinois Revenue site.
Where can families learn more?
For other Illinois School Choice Programs: Refer to our Illinois State Summary.