EITC for Business

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit program in Pennsylvania that allows approved businesses to donate their state tax money to an approved educational organization in the state. Fort Ligonier is a qualified to receive these monies and can then pass them on to public school students.

EITC funds can help offset the cost of your field trip by covering the admission costs. These funds are limited and are on a first-come basis. For more information about these funds, contact Matt Gault, Director of Education at mgault@fortligonier.org or 724-238-9701.

Non-public schools do not qualify for funds under the Education Improvement Organization portion of EITC. Occasionally, we have other grants to help offset the cost of programs and field trip visits. Contact the education department for more information.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides generous tax credits to eligible businesses that support Educational Improvement Organizations. Through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), eligible businesses can fund education rather than pay a portion of its state taxes. Businesses make a gift through the EITC program to an EITC approved educational organization, such as Fort Ligonier. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) gives the business a tax credit equal to a percentage of the contribution. DCED determines the eligibility of businesses, application procedures and deadlines and tax credit limits.

All business owners, companies or corporations should share this information with their accounting department or financial advisors to evaluate the potential benefits. A business is eligible if subject to one or more of the following:
Corporate Net Income Tax
Capital Stock Franchise Tax
Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
Insurance Premiums Tax
Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partnership partners

DCED determines the eligibility of businesses, scholarship organizations and educational improvement organizations. Businesses need to complete a brief application to the DCED stating the amount they plan to contribute. The DCED will notify businesses if their applications are approved. After receiving approval, businesses have 60 days to contribute to Fort Ligonier (an approved educational improvement organization). The business must also submit a copy of the confirmation of contribution from Fort Ligonier to the DCED.

The form is available by calling the DCED at: 717-787-7120. More information can be found at this link https://dced.pa.gov/programs/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc/ and a business can download the application form by clicking EITC_Business_2012_F.pdf.

Whether your business is a new or renewing applicant to the EITC program, be aware that the DCED allocates credits on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a competitive program, which means when the tax credits allocated for the year are exhausted, DCED can offer no additional credits and businesses cannot contribute through EITC during that year. According to the application: “Applications for tax credits for program fiscal year 2023-2024 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) will be accepted beginning July 1, 2023. 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 processed until the amount of available tax credits is exhausted.”

Businesses can reduce their tax liability and provide expanded educational opportunities for local students. This is a win-win situation for your company!