Yes! As long as you make your contribution BEFORE filing your 2024 taxes, you can take the tax credit in 2024. Note that the filing deadline is April 15, 2025.
The recent Ohio tax revision allows residents to direct their state tax dollars to a Scholarship-Granting-Organization of their choice and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Contributing to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund provides future Edsman the opportunity of a Holy Cross Education at no cost to the individual. — John Wallenhorst ’77 CPA
General Information
Note: The State of Ohio Tax Credit Scholarship initiative is subject to change by the Ohio Attorney General's Office. The following information is valid as of September 16, 2024.
Can I really still make a gift and count it for my 2023 taxes?
Yes! As long as you make your contribution BEFORE filing your 2024 taxes, you can take the tax credit in 2024. Note that the filing deadline is April 15, 2025.
What is Ohio's new scholarship tax credit program?
The Ohio General Assembly established a program whereby Ohioans can receive a 100% tax credit against Ohio income tax liability for cash contributions to certified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) that grant scholarships to students. The maximum credit amount is currently $750 (if you file "Married Filing Jointly," you can receive a credit for up to $1,500).
What is the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund?
St. Edward High School established a Scholarship Granting Organization to be eligible for the tax credit program, now known as the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund. This is a new opportunity for our community to take advantage of the Ohio Tax Credit Program. Funds given to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund get awarded as scholarships to eligible St. Ed's families. The Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund is required to prioritize "low income" (under 300% of the poverty threshold) recipients.
Who will benefit from this program?
The program will benefit St. Edward High School students and their families by prioritizing scholarships for those with demonstrated need and who seek a Catholic and Holy Cross education. It will also allow taxpayers to reduce their Ohio state tax liability. This is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against your tax liability or the tax you owe to the State of Ohio.
How do I get credit for referring a friend?
When you refer a friend, instruct them to include your name in the Comments Section of the online contribution form, or they may indicate the referral in writing if they are mailing in the contribution. Your name will be entered into a drawing for a $250 VISA gift card. There is no limit to the number of times your name can be entered. All entries will remain in the drawing until its conclusion. Drawings will take place on December 18, January 22, February 19, and March 26 and will be posted on the website as well as in the St. Edward Weekly newsletter.
Contributing to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund
Who can contribute to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund?
Anyone. However, only those persons with Ohio tax liability may be eligible for the tax credit.
When can I make a contribution?
You can contribute to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund anytime during the year, including through monthly installments. To be eligible for the tax credit on your 2024 Ohio taxes, you must make the contribution amount (maximum $750 per individual) before you file your 2024 taxes.
If there a cap on the amount I can contribute to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund?
$750 ($1,500 if married filing jointly) is the cap for the tax credit.
May I designate my contribution to a specific student?
No. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund does not accept contributions designated for specific students.
What are the payment options?
The easiest way to contribute to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund is on our website! You can fill out our safe and secure contribution form in just minutes. You will receive an immediate electronic confirmation of your contribution for your records upon submission. You will also receive a tax receipt in the mail from the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund to use when filing your 2024 State of Ohio income taxes and claiming your tax credit.
You can also print and mail a contribution form, available for download here. You must make checks payable to the "Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund" to claim the contribution on your 2024 taxes. Please allow 7–10 business days to receive your tax receipt by mail if writing a check.
Tax Credit Information
The information below is general in nature and is not intended to be used by anyone as tax advice. Please consult a tax professional that is aware of your personal tax situation about this credit and your potential use of it.
How do I get tax credit?
1. Review your tax liability from last year (2023 Ohio IT 1040, line 8c) to help estimate the amount of your tax liability for 2024, against which the credit can apply if desired. Please remember that the maximum credit amount is currently $750 ($1500 if "Married Filing Jointly").
2. Make your contribution online on our website. You may also complete a contribution form and mail a check. The Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund will send all contributors the required tax receipt after making their contribution.
3. Taxpayers claim the credit when they complete their tax return by writing in their contribution amount on the designated lines of the Ohio individual income tax return and attaching their tax receipt from the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund. You will not receive the benefit of the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund tax credit if you do not have a tax liability to the State of Ohio or have other Ohio tax credits that reduce your Ohio tax liability to zero.
How does this new tax credit allow me to GIVE $750 and GET $750
You will claim this credit when you file your Ohio state income tax return. The nonrefundable credit will reduce your state tax liability (the amount you owe in taxes). A nonrefundable tax credit limits your tax benefit to no more than what you owe in taxes. The amount of the tax credit you can claim equals 100% of the amount you contribute, up to $750 per taxpayer.
If you and your spouse file "Married Filing Jointly," you can receive a credit for up to $1,500 on your joint state income tax return.
Here's How it Works:
Is the amount I claim a tax deduction?
Contributors to the Eagle Ohio Tax Credit Fund will receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit up to the $750 maximum contribution, which is different from a tax deduction. Tax deductions reduce your taxable income. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar credit against the taxes you have paid or will owe to the state of Ohio.