EITC Tax Credit Program

Great News! WEOF is an approved education improvement organization in the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. That means businesses who also participate in EITC can make contributions to WEOF to support our approved innovative educational programs for Wissahickon students AND receive a sizable tax credit on their state taxes at the same time.

 

Approved Programs

  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) - innovation centers, robotics programs, and computer science literacy, media and communications
  • Creative Direction
  • Cultural and Performing Arts
  • Career and College Readiness - career partnerships, dual enrollment courses, Advanced Placement courses, and Gateway to College
  • Environmental Engagement and Learning

 

Interested in learning more about becoming an EITC approved business? Read the following Q & A. 

 

What is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program?

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), authorizes tax credits (not deductions) for businesses that make contributions to Educational Improvement Organizations, such as the Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF) or scholarship organizations. The EITC Program enables companies to support nonprofit school foundations at minimal cost. Instead of sending tax dollars to Harrisburg, companies can reallocate them to support the Wissahickon School District via the Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF) and receive a tax credit.

What businesses qualify?

Any business that pays any of the following Pennsylvania taxes:

  • Corporate Net Income Tax
  • Capital Stock Franchise Tax
  • Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
  • Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
  • Insurance Premiums Tax
  • Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
  • Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partnership partners

Why should businesses participate?

Businesses can significantly reduce their liability for Pennsylvania taxes while they support organizations, like the Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF), which enhance educational opportunities for children. Additionally, by participating in the EITC program, an organization earns the benefit of supporting a worthy cause in the area where it does business. By supporting an education organization in which employees have a special interest, an employer gains the appreciation of its staff.

How much of a tax credit can I get for my business?

The tax credit is a 75%-90% credit (against taxes owed). To gain the maximum 90% tax credit, a company must provide a written two-year commitment of equal funding to an education foundation. Companies can effectively get a dollar-for-dollar credit for an EITC donation because if a company has not maximized their percentage of charitable donations, they can also deduct their contribution on their federal tax return. Eligible companies may take up to $750,000 in tax credits per year. Here is an example:

  • If Business X owes $50,000 in Pennsylvania taxes and commits to make a donation to WEOF for one year, Business X may contribute up to $37,500 (75% of $50,000) to WEOF in year one and pay the remaining $12,500 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • If Business X commits to make the same donation for two consecutive years, then it may contribute up to $45,000 (90% of $50,000) to WEOF and pay the remaining $5,000 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in each of the two years.

 

A contribution of any amount is welcome and may be a source of great pride for the business owner and employees. Each gift, no matter the size, helps a student to receive the education he or she needs to be successful.

How do businesses apply for the tax credit?

The application form and information is available on the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) website: https://dced.pa.gov/

  1. Business completes online application by submitting it to the PA DCED website by May 15 of each year. You can also contact DCEC at (717) 787-7120. The process must be completed online.
  2. Business receives a letter of approval from DCED.
  3. Business submits monetary contribution within 60 days to Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation.
  4. Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation provides business with acknowledgment of contribution.
  5. Business submits acknowledgment to DCED.
  6. DCED communicates with PA Dept. of Revenue and applicable tax credit is applied to business tax account.
  7. Credit is taken as a payment of taxes on businesses’ annual state tax return filing.