Emmaus Road (SGO) Scholarship Fund

List of 11 items.

• Why is this important to Bishop Hartley High School?

  Through the use of the Emmaus Road Scholarship, a Scholarship-Granting organization in the State of Ohio (or SGO), we can provide the greatest benefit to our donors by allowing them to redirect a portion of their Ohio tax dollars directly to support our students.
  ​A tax credit is generally more advantageous than a deduction as it is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of taxes owed.  Each dollar of a qualifying contribution reduces the donor’s Ohio Income tax liability by one dollar. 

• What is the amount of the tax credit?

  The Ohio SGO tax credit is equal to the contribution, with a maximum credit of $750 per individual or $1,500 for a married couple filing a joint tax return. It is nonrefundable, meaning that the credit cannot exceed the donor’s Ohio income tax liability.

• Is the amount a tax deduction?

  Your donation is a tax credit! A tax credit can reduce the amount of tax you owe, dollar for dollar, whereas a tax deduction only reduces the amount of your income before calculating the tax you owe.

• How do I qualify for a tax credit?

  To qualify for the tax credit, you must file an Ohio tax return and have an Ohio tax liability. Review your tax liability from last year (line 8c on your 1040IT) to estimate your 2024 tax liability. When you file your taxes, you may need documentation of your donation, which the Office of Catholic Schools will generate and mail to you.

• How do I get the credit?

  The credit should be entered on your Ohio Tax Return Schedule of Credits, line 15.

• Are businesses eligible for the credit?

  Yes and No: Businesses that are Corporations (C-Corps) are not eligible for the SGO credit because they do not pay Ohio income tax.  However, contributions from pass-through entities (such as LLCs, S-corporations, and partnerships) of up to $750 per year may be passed to their investors to deduct on their individual tax returns as credits. Note: The maximum an individual can claim as a credit remains at $750 or $1500 for those married filing jointly.

  
  Please consult your tax advisor for more specifics on how this might work. 

• Why am I receiving a letter from the Office of Catholic Schools when I donate to Bishop Hartley?

  Your gift's use will not change; however, the Diocese of Columbus, Office of Catholic Schools, manages the processing under which the SGO is held. Your gift receipt will list Bishop Hartley High School as receiving your donation. 100% of your gift will be used to support Bishop Hartley Students.

• Can I participate in more than one tax credit?

  Yes. As long as you have enough state tax liability, you can “stack” tax credits (subject to State of Ohio limits). Please note that a taxpayer’s aggregate tax liability (against which this SGO tax credit is applied) may be reduced by other credits before the SGO credit is applied. Contact your tax advisor with additional questions or for further assistance.

• Can I still itemize?

  Those who itemize may still claim additional charitable donations on state and federal taxes AND receive the Ohio tax credit.

• Can I direct my donation to both Bishop Hartley and another school or parish in the Diocese of Columbus?

  Yes. Donors can designate more than one school or parish to receive their donation via the online giving form or by sending separate checks to the office of Catholic Schools. 

• Can matching contributions from employers be made to the SGO?

  Yes! This is a great way to double or triple your contribution. Contact your employer’s human resources or benefits department to verify participation. If they do, fill out the employee portion of the application and send it to:
  Office of Catholic Schools
  197 E. Gay Street
  Columbus, OH 43215
  Checks made payable to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund. Make a note that the donation is for Bishop Hartley.