For information on travel tax deductions and how to file, contact the local IRS office. The IRS expects teachers claiming deductions to be able to prove that the main purpose of the trip was for education and that the seminar or course maintained or improved required job skills.
In case of an audit, keep a detailed record of the trip and save receipts, ticket stubs, convention or course agendas, and some proof that meetings, classes, or seminars were attended. Be prepared to show how the experience improved your teaching.
For a free copy of brochures with information on travel deductions, call the Internal Revenue Service at (800) TAX-FORM and ask for publications 17 and 508.
E.S.
