Ohio Tax Credit Information

Redirect Your Tax Dollars
The Ohio General Assembly has established a program whereby Ohioans can receive a 100% tax credit against Ohio income tax liability for cash contributions to certified organizations that grant scholarships to students (scholarship granting organizations, or SGOs). Hawken School is part of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS), which has created its own SGO. Scholarship priority is given to low-income families.
 
The maximum credit amount is currently $750 for individuals and $1,500 for married couples filing jointly. Should a taxpayer donate more than the taxpayer’s income tax liability, the credit will reduce the taxpayer’s liability to zero (it will not create a refund).
 
Here is how to take advantage of the program and support Hawken School in the process:
 
You will receive a tax acknowledgement from OAIS, which you will need for your Ohio state tax return.
 
It is important to note that this is a way to redirect your tax dollars – this is not a philanthropic donation. If you have questions, be sure to consult your accountant.  
 
 
FAQs
What is a scholarship granting organization (SGO)?
Scholarship Granting Organizations are separate, tax exempt, 501(c)3 organizations. SGOs are established to collect donations on behalf of participating schools who want to provide scholarships to their eligible students. Each SGO and their participating schools determine the scholarship application and subsequent award process according to Ohio laws and guidelines.
 
What is the benefit of an SGO?
Only donations made to a certified scholarship granting organization (SGO) are eligible to receive a tax credit on an individual’s State of Ohio tax return. The State of Ohio recently enacted legislation allowing a tax credit up to $750 per individual or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly for donations made to certified scholarship granting organizations. This credit is available to individuals who have an Ohio tax liability.
 
How does a tax deduction differ from a tax credit?
A tax deduction reduces a taxpayer’s overall taxable income. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar
credit against the taxes paid to the State of Ohio up to the limits allowed by the credit. All SGO
donations are directed to the Ohio Association of Independent Schools and earmarked for Hawken School rather than to the State.
 
Donations made directly Hawken School’s Annual Fund are not eligible for the credit. 
 
How do I support Hawken School?
Hawken School is part of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS), which has created its own SGO. This allows donors to make donations for our students while also receiving eligibility for tax credits.
 
This is not a charitable donation, but, rather, a way to reduce your State of Ohio tax bill. In the simplest form, you can choose to pay the State of Ohio or help a Hawken student. We see it as a win-win…reducing your tax liability, while helping a Hawken student.  
 
How can I participate?
 
You will receive a tax acknowledgement from OAIS, which you will need for your Ohio state tax return.
An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school, toddler through grade 12

Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135 

Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

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