Learn More: MN K-12 Refund and Credit

MN K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction info:

You may qualify for the MN state K-12 Education Credit and K-12 Education Subtraction for music lessons with a qualified instructor. 

Minnesota has two programs to help families pay expenses related to their child’s K–12 education: the K–12 Education Subtraction and the K–12 Education Credit. Both programs lower the tax you must pay and may even provide a larger refund when you file your Minnesota income tax return. Music lessons are considered “academic in nature," in the “fine arts” category.

You may be eligible for the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, if you paid for music lessons (considered tuition) for a qualifying child, taken with a qualified instructor.

Two of our instructors are considered “qualified." 

    • Drew Hurst (guitar) has both bachelor’s & masters degrees from McNally Smith College of Music
    • Jamie Strobach (drums) is a member of the MN Music Teacher's Association

What you need to do to find out if you qualify for the tax deduction:

  • Ask your tax preparer if you qualify for the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction

  • Depending on how you pay for your lessons:

    • Save any receipts, if you have them

    • No receipt? If you use Venmo, Paypal, or another e-payment service, ensure the person you are paying is easily identified as the qualified instructor.

      • It may be helpful to fill in the "What's it for?" or other notes/memo fields with the child's first name and "guitar lessons" or "drum lessons." (You may be able to do this on your bank or credit union account transactions, too).

To learn more about the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, check out these Minnesota Department of Revenue webpages: 

K–12 Education Subtraction and Credit