Source: NYSUT Communications

A reminder for tax season: Thanks to recent union victories, the educator expense tax deduction has been renewed for 2019 returns - and there's a state deduction for your union dues, too.
State tax deduction for your union duesAs a result of legislation championed by NYSUT, the state AFL-CIO and unions across the state, which was passed and signed into law in April 2017, union members in New York can deduct their union dues from their state income taxes if they itemize.
While not a dollar for dollar deduction for your overall union dues, this deduction will offset your taxable income if you itemize your New York state income taxes. 
Consult with your personal tax preparer to confirm your own situation.
Learn more at nysaflcio.org.
Educator expense tax deduction renewed for 2019 tax returnsEligible educators can deduct up to $250 of qualified expenses you paid in 2019.
If you and your spouse are filing jointly and both of you were eligible educators, the maximum deduction is $500. However, neither spouse can deduct more than $250 of his or her qualified expenses.
An eligible educator is a K-12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide who worked at least 900 hours in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined by state law.
Qualified expenses include ordinary and necessary expenses paid:

• In connection with books, supplies, equipment (including computer equipment, software, and services), and other materials used in the classroom.
• For professional development courses you have taken related to the curriculum you teach or to the students you teach.

An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your educational field. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your profession as an educator. An expense doesn’t have to be required to be considered necessary.
For further information, consult your tax preparer and/or IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Indviduals.

​BOWLING FOR BOCES 2020
     Just when I thought I was through, they pulled me back in......and I'm loving it.  Now I know you’re busy, broke, bored and bewildered by the craziness that goes on at work but maybe all you really need is a little distraction. So I'm calling on all the teams from the past who have shown their loyalty over the last 9 years ( that's right, 9 years) to gather themselves one more time.  This outing is non-profit with all monies collected going to pay the freaking bill.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their friendship over the past 21 years and the outstanding event held for me at the end of last year.  My career's success was SOLELY based on my colleagues's enthusiasm, passion and their ability to laugh at each other, you made the years exciting. You made everyday fun and it motivated me to become a better teacher and for that I thank you. So without any further ado..................
Where:  Bowlmor 47 Tarrytown Rd. White Plains
When:  Thursday March 26th 4:00-6:00pm 
Price: $10.00 per player (pay at the door or to your team captain)  
There will be:  OPEN BAR: with soda, wine and beer, pizza and wings, Monday Night Football sign up sheet, a stupid championship trophy and yes……..there will be cake.
So get your team registered quickly, operators are standing to take your call or email: jracioppo@yahoo.com or 845-598-5890
MUST RSVP by: FRIDAY MARCH 6th
Don't be a putz who thinks they can just show up and join a team.
Thank you,  
Coach Joe (retired)

Are You or a Family Member Struggling With Student Loan Debt?
Student loans are intimidating and confusing.  With dozens of loan types and more than 100 repayment solutions, just knowing if you're doing the right thing is difficult.
NYSUT is here to help you explore your options.
Get Help Now
NYSUT has partnered with Cambridge Credit Counseling to offer members like you the opportunity to improve your financial life.  Most financial services companies are in business to make profits for themselves, often at your expense.  But, our union has your back with solutions that may help you reduce or eliminate student loan debt.
NYSUT chose Cambridge Credit Counseling because they are a non-profit debt relief agency with a mission to help you get out of debt fast while giving you the tools and support you need to stay debt free forever.
Student Loan Debt Workshops
We know how stressful and complicated it can be to navigate your student loans.  It's difficult to get straight answers.  That's why we've created a series of statewide, in-person workshops for NYSUT members.  Get the straight answers you deserve.  Workshops are led by Cambridge Credit Counseling and offer NYSUT members the following:

• Personal advice from a student loan counselor to help you better understand the various student loan repayment options, with a focus on Teacher Loan Cancellation and Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.
• Opportunity to schedule a free counseling session with a certified student loan counselor.
• Access to a student loan portal that will quickly identify all of your options and provide a detailed action plan that you can then discuss with a certified student loan counselor.
• Q & A session following the presentation to address your specific questions.

NYSUT members get a discounted rate on the Cambridge Student Debt Solutions portal, which will help you create a detailed action plan for all of your options and provides step-by-step instructions to help you put solutions into place.
For your convenience, we have scheduled several workshops in the region.  Please go to the link below and register for the session that fits your schedule.
December 17, 2019    4:00 - 5:30 pm
NYSUT Tarrytown Regional Office
520 White Plains Road, Tarrytown (1st floor conference room)
https://studentloans.nysut.org/workshop-tarrytown-12-17-19
January 14, 2020   4:30 – 6:00 pm
Somers High School Auditorium
120 Primrose Street, Lincolndale
https://studentloans.nysut.org/workshop-tarrytown-1-14-20
February 26, 2020   4:00 - 5:30 pm
NYSUT Tarrytown Regional Office
520 White Plains Road, Tarrytown (4th floor conference room)
https://studentloans.nysut.org/workshop-tarrytown-2-26-20
April 1, 2020   4:30 – 6:00 pm
Clarkstown South High School Auditorium
31 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack
https://studentloans.nysut.org/workshop-tarrytown-4-01-20


If you have any questions about the Cambridge Counseling Program, go to: https://studentloans.nysut.org/