Submitted by Rockwern Academy
Since 2021, Ohio has made available a tax credit that allows individuals to donate to scholarships for K-12 students and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their Ohio income taxes. This provides a valuable opportunity to support Cincinnati’s Jewish schools including Rockwern Academy, Cincinnati Hebrew Day School and Chai Tots Early Childhood Center at no expense to the donor.
Donations to the schools must be made through a certified scholarship granting organization (SGO) to qualify for this tax credit. This program allows Ohio taxpayers to contribute up to $750 per individual or $1,500 for joint filers (provided that their tax liability irrespective of withholdings exceeds those amounts) and claim this 100% tax credit on their state income tax return. Individuals can look at their total Ohio tax liability on line 13 of their Ohio 1040 form, or speak with a tax preparer.
Taxpayers can donate to an SGO by April 15, 2025, and elect to include that donation on their 2024 Ohio tax return. This enables donors to donate very close to the tax filing date.
Rabbi Laura Baum, Head of School at Rockwern Academy, said “This is an opportunity for our community to unite in support of Jewish education, ensuring the next generation has the tools to thrive while keeping our heritage vibrant. It’s truly a win-win opportunity wherein individuals can reallocate some of their Ohio tax liability to Jewish schools.”
Rockwern Academy, Cincinnati Hebrew Day School, and Chai Tots Early Childhood Center each participate in this program and are excited about the opportunity to provide scholarship funds so that more students can attend. Collectively, the schools have already raised and awarded scholarships in excess of $225,000 through this program.
More information, including links to donate, are available on each school’s website. Donors should use the link on the school’s webpage to be eligible for a full credit.
Once donors make a gift through those websites, they should submit the receipt with their Ohio tax return and indicate the donation on line 15 of the Ohio Schedule of Credits on the 2024 IT 1040 tax form. Those interested in the SGO tax credit can contact a tax advisor or any of the schools with questions.
