The federal eligible educator tax deduction currently available to America’s K-12 teachers also could be claimed by interscholastic sports administrators or coaches under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL).
“As our economy begins to reopen, school sports and athletics resuming will be a key part of returning to normal,” Rep. Davis said. “We should be supporting coaches and athletic staff in making that happen, and this legislation is one way we can do that.”
H.R. 3427, which Rep. Davis cosponsored on May 20 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), would allow K-12 coaches and administrators to deduct up to $250 per tax year if they pay out-of-pocket to buy equipment and supplies to support and protect student-athletes, including items to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as masks for players, hand sanitizer or air purifiers for the locker room or practice field, or sports equipment for the school team.
If enacted, H.R. 3427 would apply to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2020, according to the text of the bill.
“As a former youth football and baseball coach, I know that coaches and athletic staff go above and beyond for their players in making sure they have the equipment and supplies they need to play,” said Rep. Davis. “That’s why I’m proud to team up with Congresswoman Murphy to introduce this bipartisan bill.”
The legislation, which is supported by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.