Teachers can leave their lesson plans behind, but are invited to bring their tax receipts and information into Liberty Tax Service offices during “Educator Appreciation Days.” This special continues thru March 15 at the Ooltewah/Collegedale office. The company is saluting area teachers, all school employees and bus drivers by offering them free tax preparation if they are new customers at the Ooltewah/ Collegedale, 9408 Apison Pike Liberty Tax office.
“Employees of our education systems deserve a tax break,” said Wendi Tourigny, owner of Liberty Tax Service.
“We have ‘Appreciation Days’ to show our respect for the teaching profession and those employed by the schools. They have one of the most important jobs of all.”
Eligible educators who spend their own money on classroom supplies may again qualify for a tax break in 2011. An eligible educator is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide who works at least 900 hours in either a public or private school. The adjustment for these expenses, of no more than $250, can be claimed whether or not the taxpayer can itemize.