National STEM Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act of 2013

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage teachers to pursue teaching science, technology, engineering, and math subjects at elementary and secondary schools. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National STEM Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act of 2013 2. Refundable credit for portion of tuition paid for undergraduate education of certain teachers (a) In General Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by inserting after section 36C the following new section: 36D. Tuition for undergraduate education of certain teachers (a) In General In the case of an individual who is an eligible teacher for the taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle an amount equal to 10 percent of qualified undergraduate tuition paid by such individual. (b) Limitations (1) Dollar amount The credit allowed by this section for any taxable year shall not exceed $1,000. (2) Teachers in high-needs schools districts In the case of one of the first 5 taxable years in which a teacher is an eligible teacher who teaches in an elementary school or a secondary school (as those terms are defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq. $1,500 $1,000 (3) Credit allowed only for 10 years No credit shall be allowed under this section for any taxable year after the 10th taxable year for which credit is allowed under this section. (c) Eligible Teacher For purposes of this section— (1) In general The term eligible teacher (A) who is a full-time teacher, including a full-time substitute teacher, in any of grades kindergarten through 12th grade for the academic year ending in such taxable year, (B) (i) who teaches primarily math, science, engineering, or technology courses in one or more of grades 9 through 12 during such academic year, or (ii) who teaches math, science, engineering, or technology courses in one or more of grades kindergarten through 8 during such academic year, (C) who, in the case that such individual is a middle or secondary school teacher, received a baccalaureate or similar degree with a major in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology from an institution of higher education, and (D) who is highly qualified (as defined in section 9101(23) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). (2) Special rule for administrative personnel School administrative functions shall be treated as teaching courses referred to in paragraph (1)(B) if such functions primarily relate to such courses or are for a school which focuses primarily on such courses. (d) Qualified Undergraduate Tuition For purposes of this section, the term qualified undergraduate tuition (e) Institution of Higher Education The term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1002 (f) Regulations The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section. . (b) Conforming Amendments (1) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) 36D, 36B, (2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36C the following new item: Sec. 36D. Tuition for undergraduate education of certain teachers. . (c) Effective Date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act; except that only periods of being an eligible teacher (as defined in section 36D(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section) after such date shall be taken into account under section 36D(b)(3) of such Code, as so added.

Summary: National STEM Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain full-time elementary and secondary school teachers of math, science, engineering, or technology courses a refundable tax credit for 10% of their undergraduate tuition up to $1,000 in any taxable year. Increases such credit amount to $1,500 for teachers in schools serving disadvantaged children. Terminates such credit after the 10th taxable year for which such credit is allowed.