A parent's guide to the Oklahoma homeschool tax credit

Homeschooling in Oklahoma gives you the freedom to design lessons that fit your child’s pace, interests, and personality, but it also comes with real costs. Curriculum, supplies, and online classes can add up quickly, which is why the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act was created to help families like yours make those investments a little easier.

At Outschool, we know every dollar counts when building a personalized education. The Parental Choice Tax Credit (PCTC) can help you access high-quality classes, tutoring, and learning tools that bring more creativity and confidence to your homeschool days. Let’s take a closer look at what this tax credit offers, who qualifies, and how to make it work for your family.

What is the Oklahoma homeschool tax credit?

Homeschooling can be deeply rewarding, but it’s also an investment. According to a 2024 survey by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), families spend roughly $1,295 a year for elementary students and $1,636 for middle and high schoolers. Those numbers reflect the real cost of creating a meaningful, personalized education at home.

The Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit helps lighten that load. This refundable tax credit allows homeschooling families to receive up to $1,000 per child each year for approved educational expenses. While it won’t cover everything, it puts real money back into your family’s budget, helping you focus on what truly matters: your child’s learning and growth.

Who qualifies for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit?

Before you start gathering receipts and filling out forms, it’s good to make sure your family meets the requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

• Parent or guardian status: You must be an Oklahoma taxpayer; this includes parents, grandparents, guardians, or anyone with legal authority over the student. Military families stationed in Oklahoma also qualify.
• Student eligibility: Your child must live in Oklahoma and be eligible to attend public school (Pre-K through 12). Homeschool students qualify under the “educated by other means” category, and private school students must attend an accredited Oklahoma school.
• Income guidelines: While there’s no strict income cap, families with a federal adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less are prioritized.  
• One credit per student: Each eligible child gets their own credit, and you’ll submit a separate application for each one through OkTAP, the state’s online tax portal.
• Documentation: You’ll need to show proof of residency, your tax return document, and receipts for qualified education expenses.

Understanding these basics ensures you’ll know whether your family qualifies before diving into the application process.

What kinds of expenses count for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit?

When it comes to homeschooling, every family’s spending looks a little different. Knowing which homeschool expenses qualify for Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit helps you maximize your benefit and avoid costly mistakes. 

To help you plan, here’s a simple breakdown of what qualifies:

• Nonpublic online learning programs: Fees or tuition for online courses that provide structured instruction. This can include accredited virtual classes or private online programs that your family uses to teach specific subjects.
• Academic tutoring services: Payments to private tutors or tutoring centers that provide direct instruction in academic areas.
• Textbooks and curriculum materials: This includes printed or digital textbooks, complete curriculum packages, and any required supplemental materials such as teacher guides or online access components.
• Instructional materials and education service provider fees: Tools directly related to your child’s coursework, including hands-on materials like science kits or art supplies when they’re part of a structured program. 
• Testing and examination fees: Fees for nationally norm-referenced exams (like ACT^® or SAT^®) and advanced placement tests. You can also include tutoring or prep classes that help your child get ready for those exams.

Oklahoma doesn’t have an official list of expenses that can’t be claimed under this program. However, in most education-related tax credit programs, items such as household supplies, technology not required by the curriculum, and travel expenses are typically excluded.

If you’re unsure about a particular purchase, it’s always best to confirm before filing. Reach out to a tax professional or advisor for personalized guidance, and check the official Parental Choice Tax Credit page for the latest updates on qualifying expenses.

How much can you claim with the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit?

Once you’ve confirmed your homeschool expenses qualify, it’s time to look at what the credit actually offers. Knowing this can help you plan ahead and make the most of the program when tax season comes around.

Keep these in mind:

• The homeschool credit applies per eligible student, not per family.
• You can claim this amount even if you don’t owe state income tax, since the credit is refundable.
• Homeschooling families with multiple learners can claim up to $1,000 for each child, as long as qualifying expenses are documented.
• The program’s homeschool credits are capped statewide at $5 million per year, so it’s best to apply early when the window opens.

For private school families, the amount ranges from $5,000 to $7,500 per child, depending on household income.

How to claim the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit

If you’re homeschooling in Oklahoma, claiming the Parental Choice Tax Credit is done right through your state tax return. The process is simple, but it does require a few important steps to make sure everything is filed correctly.

Here’s how it works:

1. Save all your homeschool receipts. Throughout the year, keep clear and legible copies of receipts for qualified homeschool expenses, such as curriculum, instructional materials, or tutoring. You’ll need these when it’s time to file.
2. Complete a separate Form 591-D for each child. When you file your state taxes, fill out Form 591-D: Parental Choice Tax Credit for Homeschool Expenses for every eligible homeschooled student. You can claim up to $1,000 per child each tax year.
3. Attach Form 591-D and your receipts to your tax return. Include each completed 591-D form and the corresponding receipts with your Oklahoma Form 511 or 511-NR when filing your taxes. The Tax Commission will not process Form 591-D on its own, so make sure it’s filed together with your return.
4. Keep copies of everything you submit. Hold onto your receipts, forms, and confirmations in case the Oklahoma Tax Commission requests verification later.

Families with children enrolled in private schools must apply through the OkTAP portal, using an Enrollment Verification Number (EVN) provided by the school. Once verified, the Oklahoma Tax Commission sends the approved payment directly to the participating school.

Remember, each qualified expense can only be claimed once. Application dates and requirements can shift slightly from year to year. Before you apply, double-check official channels to ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your family.

Oklahoma homeschool tax credit: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Managing homeschool expenses while maximizing tax benefits requires careful planning. Here are practical answers to help you navigate the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit confidently and avoid common pitfalls.

When can homeschool families start claiming the credit?

The program officially took effect on January 1, 2024, which means expenses from the spring 2024 semester onward qualify. From the 2024–2025 school year forward, the full year will be covered.

How much can homeschooling families receive?

Homeschool families can receive up to $1,000 per eligible student each tax year. The credit is refundable, meaning you can still get the full amount even if you don’t owe state income tax.

What types of homeschool expenses qualify for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit?

The credit covers learning costs that directly support your homeschool program, including:

• Curriculum and textbooks used for instruction
• Academic tutoring or private educational support
• Online learning programs or nonpublic virtual classes
• Testing and exam fees for ACT^®, SAT^®, or AP^® exams, along with prep courses

Always attach clear copies of your receipts when filing your return.

What happens if my child switches schools during the year?

If your child moves from homeschooling to an accredited private school, you can still qualify for a partial credit based on how long they were homeschooled that year. However, if they enroll in a public or charter school, you can’t claim the credit for that period.

Where can I find the latest updates on credit amounts and eligible expenses?

The Oklahoma Tax Commission is your go-to source for the latest details, including current credit amounts, deadlines, and qualified expenses. You can visit their website to find official forms and updates.

Making the most of Oklahoma’s Parental Choice Tax Credit

The Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit is a great way to stretch your homeschool budget while keeping your lessons engaging and meaningful. By keeping track of qualified expenses and filing carefully, you can ensure your family gets the support you’ve earned. A little organization throughout the year can make tax season feel much more rewarding.

With Outschool, those resources can go even further. From enrichment electives to academic tutoring, our platform connects homeschool families with teachers who make learning exciting and meaningful.