How It Works

How does the SGO Tax Credit work?

Your Columbus Opportunity Scholarship Fund donation can be claimed when you file your Ohio taxes (line 15). The deadline for participating for the 2024 tax year is April 15th, 2025. The credit is a dollar-to-dollar reduction in your state tax liability up to $750 per taxpayer. A married couple filing jointly can claim a credit of up to $1500. To receive the full tax credit, you must have an Ohio tax liability equal to or greater than the amount of the credit.
What is the step by step process for participating in this opportunity?

1. Make a gift at www.columbusopportunity.org/donate 2. Claim your credit on your Ohio Tax Return Schedule of Credits (line 15) and submit along with your SGO receipt when filing. 3. Receive your matching tax credit in your tax refund!
How do I know if I have the tax liability to benefit from the credit?

On the 2023 Ohio IT 1040, total state tax liability is listed on Line 10 on the second page. You can give up to $750 of this amount per individual or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly. If your state tax liability is less than $750, you can give a gift that corresponds with that number and still receive a dollar-for-dollar matching tax credit.
What is the deadline for participating?

The deadline for participating for the 2024 tax year is April 15th, 2025. Donations received on or up to the Federal tax filing deadline of April 15 may be claimed for the prior tax year; however, a credit from this contribution may not be claimed for both years.
Can I make a gift more than $750? Less than $750?

Yes. The first $750 will be granted a $750 state tax credit, and the amount of the gift beyond the initial $750 may be claimed as a federal and state tax deduction. Likewise, you can give a gift of less than $750 and still receive the dollar-for-dollar match if that better corresponds to your personal tax liability.
Can I designate my donation to a specific school?

Yes. You can also support both schools at the same time by making a gift to the General Fund.
Is The Columbus Opportunity Scholarship Fund a certified SGO?

Yes. You can view a list of certified SGO's on the Ohio Attorney General website: https://charitable.ohioago.gov/Scholarship-Granting-Organization-Certification/List Note: The SGO list is in alphabetical order, and The Columbus Opportunity Scholarship Fund is listed beginning with a T.
Where can I learn more about this opportunity from the State of Ohio?

You can learn more about the SGO Tax Credit directly from the Ohio Department of Taxation: https://tax.ohio.gov/individual/resources/scholarship-donation-credit
I have a question about my unique tax situation. Can you advise?

We recommend working with your tax specialist to address any questions about your specific tax situation.

The state of Ohio’s new Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) tax credit authorizes donors who contribute to K-12 student scholarships through a certified SGO to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, up to $750 per individual taxpayer or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly.