Only one presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, has suggested that tax credits for homeschoolers is a good idea. While I mentioned that I like a lot of what he says about education, this is not one of his ideas that I support. I considered ducking away from the virtual tomatoes being thrown but so far those who have commented on my last blog, are willing to hear me out. So here is another reason that tax credits for homeschoolers is a bad idea.
Qualified educators currently can claim $250 on qualified purchases from the IRS. Most homeschoolers spend at least that on curriculum per year so why not give us a $250 tax credit too? I could use that money!
Who Defines a Home Educator?
I think I’m pretty safe on this one. You see, I’m sure I’m a home educator. I have curriculum. I have paperwork. I have my little teacher’s card from HSLDA and most reasonable businesses give me their teacher discount. New York State requires so much paperwork that I can use any of the paperwork that I turn in to ‘prove’ that I’m teaching.
My friends in Connecticut or New Jersey though, they don’t have any requirements. What would they use to prove that they’re home educators? Their child’s portfolios? And what about my unschooling friends? Because their educational philosophy disagrees with mine–do they not count as home educators?
The first problem with accepting tax credits is that it necessarily means that the government must define who is a home educator and who is not. Do you really want that? It would likely mean federalized paper work, specific type of record keeping, and a set course of instruction. . .which brings me to my next point. To be honest, I don’t see how the federal government could possibly require more paperwork than I already do, but most homeschoolers in other states could not say the same thing. Chances are good that if you’re reading this, a tax credit would increase your paperwork, and probably substantially.
Who Defines What Qualified Expenses Are?
Having the government define what my qualified expenses are for home schooling makes me squeamish to be honest. I don’t want the government involved in my home schooling–period. While I’m sure I could prove I’m a home educator I’m less sure that my curriculum would be approved as it’s decidedly Christian. And people who use Bob Jones or Abeka. . .they could forget about being approved as that curriculum is all from one view point. Do you want government approved curriculum? If you do, you might want to consider sending your kids to public school. That’s fine by me. . .it’s your choice. But I don’t want the government letting me know whether or not phonics is okay and what I’m allowed to teach in science.
And let’s talk about other ’curricular’ items. I know a family who decided to put a chicken coop in their backyard. I can see how that’s home schooling. . .do they get a tax credit for that or does that not count? What about my kids’ classes that they take at the Y? Do those count? Those are on their IHIPs. And again, our unschooling friends who don’t use any curriculum. What could their qualified expenses be?
Accepting the tax credit means that the federal government will have to define who is a home educator and what is a qualified expense. It might not seem that complicated on the outset. But remember that it’s the state government, and not the federal government that currently decides on state education laws. Shifting the power to define who we are and what we teach will not only increase government control in home schools, but it could easily infringe on the rights of parents to teach their own children at home. I know personally, I cannot support increased government involvement in home schooling and so I’m happy to forgo a tax credit. Not convinced yet? I still have yet other reasons why a homeschooling tax credit is a bad idea.