Teachers who use their own funds to purchase books and classroom supplies should save their receipts to get deductions on their federal income tax returns. To be eligible, a person must work at least 900 hours during a school year as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide. Educators can deduct up to $250 of qualified expenses when figuring their adjusted gross incomes. The deduction is available whether or not teachers itemize deductions. For more information, call (800) 829-4477 and listen to topic 458.