Minnesota K12 Education 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 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.
Why this matters to families in Minnesota:
The Minnesota K12 Education 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
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.
Who is eligible for this program?
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.
How can families use the 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:
What are the program rules and 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.
How do families 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.
Where can families learn more?
For other Minnesota School Choice Programs: Refer to our Minnesota State Summary.