Georgia GOAL

Why Should I Participate?

In addition to the many ways that the program benefits St. Martin's and its students, participating individuals and couples receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit and, in many cases, a federal income tax deduction. Corporations that participate also receive tax benefits.

St. Martin's has partnered with Georgia GOAL, a state-approved Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), to administer the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program. Submit your 2024 GOAL Tax Credit Form online today by visiting www.goalscholarship.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the tax credit work?

Created in 2008, Qualified Education Expense Credit program provides GA tax payers who wish to support educational opportunities to families seeking educational alternatives to the free public school option.

Georgia taxpayers can make a private donation to a State registered SSO and receive a dollar-for-dollar GA tax credit, as well a Federal charitable contribution deduction. The law also allows for tax credit donors to designate which school should receive the opportunity to access the tax credit contribution monies for tuition scholarships through their chosen SSO.

These are some of the highlights of the current law:

$100,000,000 maximum allocated each year.
Credits allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pass through taxpayers can redirect up to $10,000 each.
Within 60 days of the pre-approval notice from the DOR, donors must make their contributions to an SSO.
Donations to an SSO only count in the same calendar year in which the donation was pre-approved and paid.
Taxpayers must add back to Georgia taxable income that part of any federal charitable contribution deduction taken on a federal return for which Georgia Qualified Education Expense Credit is allowed.

Who qualifies to receive this financial aid?

A Georgia resident enrolled in secondary or primary public school or eligible to enroll in a qualified kindergarten program or pre-kindergarten program. As with all financial aid offers, monies are awarded through the traditional application process, which requires that the student meets our current standards for academic excellence as well as demonstrate financial need.

Can this count as my participation in The St. Martin's Fund for the year?

No, participation in the tax credit program does not substitute for a gift to The St. Martin's Fund. They are entirely separate entities. With the tax credit, you are only directing where money you are already paying to the state of Georgia is going. The funds generated are used specifically for the purpose of financial assistance.

On the other hand, a gift to The St. Martin's Fund is made payable to the school and is a tax deduction, for which you are issued a gift receipt from St. Martin’s. These funds are used to cover the operating budget expenses that tuition alone does not cover, and all areas benefit from your participation.

Tax Credit Limits

NEW Opportunity for 2023: S corporation, LLC, or partnership that elects to pay tax at the entity level -up to 75% of Georgia income tax liability
Individual Filer - Up to $2,500.
Married Filing Separately - $2,500.
Married Filing Jointly - Up to $5,000.
Owner of S Corp, LLC or Partnership -Up to $25,000.
C-Corp or Trust - Up to 75% of annual GA income tax liability.

The amount you can give is limited by your tax filing status.

How Do I Participate?

Applications are now being accepted and will be filed with the Department of Human Resources on January 1, 2024, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Apply today to get in line!

The State of Georgia has set aside $120 million for taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state tax liability to provide financial aid to SMES students coming from the public school system. This is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for those paying Georgia state income taxes.

To submit your application online, please click here.

Georgia GOAL Contact

Mrs. Lauren Sims

Director of Advancement

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Just 20 Seconds to Apply!

For more information about the GA Private School Tax Credit, please contact Lauren Sims by phone (404) 228-0747 or email lsims@stmartinschool.org or you may contact Georgia GOAL directly at (770) 828-4625.