Overview

Tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to a Scholarship Organization, an Educational Improvement Organization, and/or a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization.

Uses

Tax credits may be applied against the tax liability of a business for the tax year in which the contribution was made

Eligibility

Businesses authorized to do business in Pennsylvania who 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

Funding

Tax credits equal to 75 percent of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. Can be increased to 90 percent of the contribution, if business agrees to provide same amount for two consecutive tax years. For contributions to Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations, a business may receive a tax credit equal to 100 percent of the first $10,000 contributed and up to 90 percent of the remaining amount contributed up to a maximum credit of $200,000 annually.

Terms

An approved company must provide proof to DCED within 90 days of the notification letter that the contribution was made within 60 days of the notification letter. Tax credits not used in the tax year the contribution was made may not be carried forward or carried back and are not refundable or transferable, except for an approved election by a pass-through entity to apply any unused tax credits to the tax liability of the owners in the taxable year immediately following the year in which the contribution is made.

How to Apply

Businesses

Pennsylvania businesses can begin applying for EITC credits through DCED’s electronic single application system. DCED will no longer require applicants to mail the signed signature page.

The business application guide explains the process of applying. Tax credit applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis by day submitted. All applications received on a specific day will be processed on a random basis before moving on to the next day’s applications. Applications will be approved until the amount of available tax credits is exhausted.

Organizations

Applicants interested in applying as an Educational Improvement Organization, Scholarship Organization or Pre-K Organization can apply at DCED Center for Business Financing, Tax Credit Division, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120: 717.787.7120 or RA-EITC@pa.gov. Do not use the Single Application. The application process is listed below.

Additional Information

Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) Frequently Asked Questions

Organizational Guidelines (.PDF)

• Scholarship Organization & Educational Improvement Organization

• Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization

List of Organizations

• Scholarship Organizations

• Educational Improvement Organizations

• Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations

Information Courtesy of: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc/