Funding Explorer

Education funding in Illinois

3 programs in Illinois, 1 open to homeschoolers. Each links to the program’s official sources.

Corral is not part of any of these programs. Each program’s administrator decides who qualifies and what can be bought. Use this to find the right program and the right questions, then confirm with them.

  • Illinois K-12 Education Expense Credit

    Tax credit or deduction for families · Program running

    Homeschoolers can qualify From official sources October 7, 2026

    Yes. Homeschools that meet Illinois compulsory attendance law count, and qualifying costs include tuition, consumable workbooks, book and curriculum rental fees, and lab fees (not non-consumable textbooks or flash cards). The credit is 25% of qualifying costs after the first $250, up to $750 per family.

    Dates and status: Claimed on Schedule ICR with the Illinois income tax return; the 2025 instructions are current. Not allowed if adjusted gross income is over $500,000 (married filing jointly) or $250,000 (other returns). Homeschool families must attach receipts.

    Official site

  • Federal Tax Credit Scholarship (Illinois has not opted in)

    Tax-credit scholarship · State not taking part for 2027

    Program doesn’t say whether homeschoolers qualify From official sources October 7, 2026

    Official federal guidance says scholarships cover expenses "incurred in connection with or required by a K-12 public, private (including religious), or charter school" and does not mention homeschooling. Treasury and the IRS say separate guidance on which expenses qualify is still being written, so whether a homeschooled child can use a scholarship is not settled. Illinois families cannot use these scholarships unless Illinois opts in.

    Dates and status: Not available to Illinois families for now. No official Illinois opt-in or opt-out decision has been published, and Illinois is not on the IRS list of states participating for 2027 (as of September 14, 2026). States can still file an advance election for 2027 until January 1, 2027.

    Official site

  • Invest in Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program

    Tax-credit scholarship · Closed

    Not open to homeschoolers From official sources October 7, 2026

    The program is over. Its scholarships were only for students attending qualified non-public schools and technical academies in Illinois, not for homeschooling.

    Dates and status: The program expired on December 31, 2023. Donations made after that date do not earn a credit.

    Official site

← Look up another state