Instead of Sending Your State Tax Dollars to Harrisburg, Use Them to Give the Gift of Catholic School Education
Fund need-based scholarships for Philadelphia-area families seeking a Catholic school education for their children and receive a 90% state tax credit through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. GET STARTEDThe Simplest Way to Fund Philadelphia-Area Catholic School Scholarships
Fueled by donors like you, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) gives children in and around Philadelphia access to a Catholic school education — regardless of household income.
In return, donors that commit to EITC receive a Pennsylvania state tax credit of up to 90%.
Here’s an Example
Say your annual household income is $340,000.
Your Pennsylvania state tax liability is approximately $10,438.
With a yearly EITC donation of $10,000 to IMS…
- IMS receives $10,000
- You get a state tax credit of $9,000 (90% of $10,000) for a total out of pocket cost of just $680.
You Decide How Your PA Tax Dollars
Are Put To Work
By participating in the EITC program with IMS, you are supporting the most in need at all of our schools in and around Philadelphia including:
- St. Barnabas
- SS. Cyril & Philomena
- St. Frances Cabrini
- St. Helena-Incarnation
- Holy Cross
- St. Malachy
- St. Martin de Porres
- St. Martin of Tours
- Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius of Loyola
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- St. Rose of Lima
- The DePaul Catholic School
- St. Thomas Aquinas
- St. Veronica
“Everyone says they have no say in where their tax money goes. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit program is a fantastic opportunity to have a say and give the gift of a Catholic school education.”
Coming Soon! IMS EITC Subject Matter Experts!
Here to answer your questions about the benefits of a tax credit gift and the process.
Becoming an EITC Donor is Simple
STEP 1: Determine Your Pennsylvania Tax Liability
To estimate your PA State tax liability, check line 12 of your previous years’ tax return.
STEP 2: Make Your Contribution
The process is simple. Write your check to a tax credit granting organization, sign the LLC, and designate IMS as your recipient.
STEP 3: Claim Your Tax Credit
You can receive up to a 90% tax credit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program?
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program was developed within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in 2001.
Fueled by donors like you, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) gives children in and around Philadelphia access to a Catholic school education — regardless of household income.
In return, donors that commit to the EITC receive a Pennsylvania state tax credit of up to 90% and likely a federal tax deduction of up to $120.
Can businesses participate in the EITC program?
Yes! The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) is available to businesses authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that are subject to certain taxes including:
- Personal Income Tax
- Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
- Corporate Net Income Tax
- Bank Shares Tax
- Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
- Insurance Premium Tax (excluding unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
- Mutual Thrift Tax
- Malt Beverage Tax
- Surplus Lines Tax
Businesses can apply to receive a tax credit of 75% of their contributions, up to $750,000. If a firm makes a two-year funding commitment, for the same amount in both years, the tax credit can be increased to 90%.
What if I think this program sounds too good to be true?
You wouldn’t be the first! The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program was developed within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in 2001. Oftentimes, individuals and businesses are not familiar with it simply as a result of a lack of awareness and publicity. Rest assured, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program is as valid as it is life-changing. If you’e still skeptical, we always encourage our potential donors to consult with their tax professional.
Are there downsides to participating?
The only downside – if you want to call it that – is that donors must make their gift first and then, come tax refund time, they’ll receive up to a 90% credit from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Who or what is eligible to participate in the EITC program?
Individuals who pay Pennsylvania income taxes and businesses that are authorized to do business in Pennsylvania and are subject to one or more of the following taxes:
- Personal Income Tax
- Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
- Corporate Net Income Tax
- Bank Shares Tax
- Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
- Insurance Premium Tax (excluding unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
- Mutual Thrift Tax
- Malt Beverage Tax
- Surplus Lines Tax
Can I designate my EITC gift to a specific IMS school?
Yes! EITC particpants can direct their gift to one, some or all IMS schools. Donors can also instruct IMS to apply their gift where there is the greatest need.
Can a donor that received a state tax credit through EITC still take a charitable deduction for their donation on both their state and federal tax returns?
Yes. A donor that receives a state tax credit through the EITC program may still take a charitable deduction for their gift on both their federal and state tax returns as allowed by law. This is in addition to the EITC tax credits they will receive against their state tax liability. Please consult your tax advisor on specifics.
What is the timing of when we have to make our contribution and what is the approval process?
Any new donor can apply for tax credits starting July 1 for the current year.
How soon will my gift be distributed?
Donations received prior to June 30 will be allocated for the fall semester of that school year. Monies received after July 1 will be distributed for fall of the following school year.
Is a tax credit the same as a charitable gift?
No. Charitable gifts to IMS typically suppot the network’s physical plant, programming, endowment, etc. Tax credit programs like EITC, allows donors to steer their tax dollars specifically towards the funding of scholarships.
Get in Touch with an IMS EITC Specialist
We can’t wait to get you involved.