Ed. Note: The following paid content was provided by Liberty Tax, who is a client of KHTS AM-1220.

As Santa Clarita Valley schools begin their winter breaks, teachers should be gathering their school-related expense receipts for 2014 in order get the appropriate tax deductions, according to a Santa Clarita tax expert.

Many teachers forget or simply don’t realize they are eligible for tax deductions that could save them thousands of dollars, said Ritu Khadiya of Liberty Tax.

“Teachers get a lot of time during this holiday break to collect all their receipts,” she said. “They spent a lot of money on their students and they forget that their taxes give them a break.”

Related Article: Tax Expert Discusses Holiday Gifts And Tax Deductions

While most of Khadiya’s teacher clients believe they are only eligible for about $250 in tax deductions, their deductions can actually be worth thousands of dollars.

“If they come in with their receipts, their deductions can be worth around $1,000 to $2,000,” Khadiya said. “I’ve actually done a return where (the client) had over $5,000 because it was a new school… If they are paying out of their own pocket, they should be getting the deductions.”

Teachers who throw holiday parties for their students or hand out holiday gifts to their classes should keep all their receipts to use toward tax deductions, and the same goes for any supplies purchased for the classroom.

In addition, teachers who pursue higher education can also be eligible for additional deductions, according to Khadiya.

“I know the teachers actually spend a little bit of money getting higher education,” she said. “They can get that deduction… or some sort of advanced training reimbursements. That’s a deduction.”

Teachers and other Santa Clarita Valley residents can begin preparing for tax season now by visiting a tax expert at Liberty Tax in Santa Clarita.

Liberty Tax

26775 Bouquet Canyon Rd

Santa Clarita, CA 91350

661-296-1000