Brief Explanation:

The Teacher Retention Credit, effective with the 2000 tax return, allows credentialed teachers in public and private kindergarten through 12th grade schools a tax credit of up to $1500. For the taxable year in which credit is claimed, wages must have been received for services as a credentialed teacher. Wages and salaries earned for duties other than teaching do not qualify for this credit.

For information on the Teacher Retention Credit, contact a tax consultant or the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 852-5711 or view their web site at www.ftb.ca.gov/other/Teacher/TRC.htm.

The Teacher Retention Credit California Form 3505 requests the date of initial certification and a credential number (document number). The credential document number is located in the upper left-hand corner of the teaching credential. For assistance with this information, contact the Commission on Teacher Credentialing at their toll-free number (888) 921-2682. The Commission’s telephone menu will offer an automated look-up for credential document numbers. Commission staff are available if further assistance is required. Information regarding Life Credential documents may necessitate commission staff to research microfilm records. This process may take a month for processing. The Commission recommends contacting them immediately if this information is required.