Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund
Ohio Tax Credit Program
Thanks to a new state program, donors can now receive a tax credit on their Ohio tax return up to $750 ($1,500 if married and filing jointly).
In 2021 the State of Ohio created a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) Program. This program allows Ohio taxpayers to donate to a K-12 SGO for that school to use for scholarships for tuition based on financial need. The donor then receives a dollar-for-dollar non-refundable tax credit on their Ohio state tax return up to $750 ($1,500 if married and filing jointly).
Who is an SGO?
The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund (under the Diocesan Education Corporation) is certified as an SGO by the Ohio Attorney General. This fund solely benefits students in the Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools.
All donations will be managed through the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund. Parishioners, family, and friends of St. Brigid of Kildare can donate and directly designate St. Brigid of Kildare School as the recipient of their donation. If you choose not to designate a school, the money will be used in a general fund for financial aid for diocesan students based on need.
100% of those funds will be available to our school the following tax year to be used for scholarships for our students.
How do I donate?
ONLINE:
Use the text box to designate St. Brigid of Kildare School.
BY CHECK:
Please make to: Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund
Mail to: Office of Catholic Schools, 197 East Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215.
Please note on check that you would like your donation to go to St. Brigid of Kildare.
You will receive a receipt directly from the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund for use in the preparation of your Ohio taxes that will allow you to receive the credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do a monthly donation?
Yes! There is an option to make a monthly payment on the online giving form.
How do I get the credit?
The credit should be entered on your Ohio Tax Return Schedule of Credits.
In what year is the tax credit applied?
Donations received or postmarked by December 31 will be receipted for that tax year. For example, if you donate to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund during the 2022 calendar year, then you will receive the tax credit on your 2022 tax return when you file your taxes in the Spring of 2023.
What if I give over $750 ($1,500 if married filing jointly)?
While you can certainly donate more than $750/1,500 for needy students, Ohio only allows a tax credit of up to $750 ($1,500 if joint return). The school will receive the full amount of your donation for use for financial aid.
What if my Ohio tax liability is under the credit thresholds ($750/$1,500)
Every family’s tax situation is unique, but generally, if an individual earns $45,000 in Ohio, they can expect to pay $761 in Ohio income tax. If that individual donated $750 to Emmaus by December 31, they would owe the state only $11. If the tax had already been paid, the state will issue a refund to that taxpayer. Make sure you consult a tax advisor if you are unsure of your tax liability.
Can I designate my contribution to a specific individual?
No, the contribution is to St. Brigid of Kildare, which will award scholarships to students based on need.
Can I use this donation to reduce my child’s tuition expense?
Unfortunately no. Federal law does not allow this type of arrangement. However, as we continue to build this fund, it is our hope that the school is able to greatly increase the amount of tuition assistance it can give our students.
Questions?
Contact Sarah Moore at (614) 761-3734 or smoore@stbrigidofkildare.org.
For more information on this program, visit the diocesan website at https://columbuscatholicgiving.org/faqs or charitable.ohioago.gov
