Minnesota K12 Education Credit
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help, visit the official program website.
Summary
The Minnesota K12 Education Credit is a refundable tax credit that helps families pay for education-related expenses related to public, private, or homeschool education for their children in grades K-12.
Student Funding
Funding Type: Tax Credit
The K-12 Education Credit is limited to 75% of the qualifying expenses paid during the year for a qualifying child’s K–12 education. The maximum credit is also based on your adjusted gross income and number of qualifying children in grades K–12. This amount is determined when completing your Minnesota income tax return.
Student Eligibility
Eligibility for the K-12 Education Credit is open to all parents of students in grades K-12 attending public, private, or homeschools in Minnesota.
Rules & Requirements
- Income Level: See the limits for maximum adjusted gross income on the Minnesota Department of Revenue K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit information page.
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Minnesota.
- Income Tax Return Requirements: Applicants must not be filing as “Married Filing Separately”.
- Educational Status: Students attending kindergarten through 12th grade during the year and meets the federal definition of qualifying child used for the Earned Income Credit.
Using Your Funds
A tax credit can be taken for qualifying expenses paid during the tax year, up to the maximum credit amount per child, including:
- tutoring
- academic camps
- music lessons
- textbooks
- school supplies
- computer hardware and software (up to $200)
- transportation costs paid to others
You cannot include tuition expenses as a qualifying educational expense for the Minnesota K12 Education Credit, but you can include them for the Minnesota K12 Education Subtraction.
For details on specific expenses, please see on the Minnesota Department of Revenue site:
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the applicant meets education requirements and the federal definition of qualifying child used for the Earned Income Credit. Review the Income Tax Fact Sheet 8 on the Minnesota Department of Revenue site for more information.
- Gather Documentation: Gather receipts for your educational expenditures such as textbooks, extracurricular materials, driver’s education fees, and educational supplies.
- File Minnesota State Income Tax Return: Review the Minnesota 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.
For other Minnesota School Choice Programs: Refer to our Minnesota State Summary.