Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax 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 Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit offers a tax credit to parents for educational expenses. Parents can claim this credit on their Iowa income tax return to offset costs related to public, private, or homeschool education. This tax credit provides financial assistance to families seeking support with educational costs for their children in grades K-12.
Why this matters to families in Iowa:
Every student learns differently, and some benefit from a different environment and their available resources. The Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit program gives families some financial flexibility to find the setting and additional resources that work best for their child.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
Tax Credit
Tax Credit Amount: Up to $500 per dependent
The Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit provides a credit of 25% on up to $2,000 spent per student in grades K-12 for tuition and textbooks. There is a maximum credit of $500 per dependent student annually. Eligible expenses include tuition, textbooks, extracurricular materials, driver’s education fees, and educational supplies.
Who is eligible for this program?
Eligibility for claiming the Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit is open to all parents of children in grades K-12 attending public, private, or homeschools in Iowa. Parents must have qualifying educational expenses such as tuition, textbooks, extracurricular materials, and other supplies to claim the tax credit on their state income tax return.
How can families use the funds?
Eligible expenses under the Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit include tuition, textbooks, extracurricular materials, driver’s education fees, and educational supplies.
Purchases made from Students First Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) funds are not eligible for the tuition and textbook credit.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Tax Credit Limit: $500 per dependent child on up to $2,000 spent per student in grades K-12
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Iowa and file an Iowa income tax return.
- Educational Status: Open to all parents of students in grades K-12 attending public, private, or homeschools in Iowa.
- Gather Documentation: Invoices and other documentation of payment for educational expenses.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the applicant meets the Iowa residency requirements and the expenses are not related to a Students First Educational Savings Account.
- Gather Documentation: Keep track of educational expenditures such as tuition, textbooks, extracurricular materials, driver’s education fees, and educational supplies.
- File Iowa State Income Tax Return: Review the Iowa Department of Revenue site for claiming this tax credit. Seek assistance from professional advisors if needed to ensure compliance with program requirements and maximize your tax benefits.
Where can families learn more?
For other Iowa School Choice Programs: Refer to our Iowa State Summary.