If you are a teacher, instructor or any other educator (even if part time as the rule is at least 900 hours) in a school providing elementary or secondary education, then you can claim the $300 expense deduction at year end in your personal tax return (if both educators filing a married filing jointly return then, the credit is $600 for both). The $300 should be for expenses related to the class, like materials, books, computer and software, etc.
Many of the educators have a side hustle or complimentary activity either in the afternoon or during summers, so keep in mind that you should report the income and expenses of that business activity. If the activity is not for profit, then, the educator might have a hobby as categorized by the IRS. You can read more details in our older post here – Is your side hustle a hobby or a business?
IRS Link – IRS reminder for schoolteachers: Up to $300 in classroom expenses deductible for 2024
