Turn the taxes you already owe into life-changing scholarships
The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit lets individual taxpayers fund K–12 education scholarships and receive a 100% federal income tax credit for qualified contributions — private generosity, encouraged by law, with clear statutory safeguards.
- Dollar-for-dollar federal credit
- 100%
- Per taxpayer, per year
- $1,700
- Carryforward for unused credit
- 5 yrs
- Contribution portal opens
- Jan 1, 2027
Four steps from tax bill to tuition
Confirm you're eligible
The federal credit is claimed by individual taxpayers — U.S. citizens or residents — contributing in a state that has opted into the program.
Make a qualified cash contribution
Give to an approved Scholarship Granting Organization like Renew Scholarships. Contributions can't be earmarked for a specific student.
Claim your federal credit
Receive a non-refundable 100% federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for the year. Can't use it all? Carry the remainder forward for up to five more tax years.
Your gift becomes a scholarship
Contributions fund K–12 scholarships for eligible students — tuition, curriculum, tutoring, and other qualified educational expenses.
Private generosity, public impact — without federal spending
EFTC scholarships are funded entirely by private contributions, not government dollars. Your gift flows to Renew Scholarships — a 501(c)(3) Scholarship Granting Organization — and on to families pursuing a Christ-centered education.
- A minimum of 90% of revenue generated from scholarship contributions.
- Scholarships help families cover tuition and other qualified K–12 educational expenses.
- The program encourages private support for education while keeping schools independent.
The rules that keep the credit clean
The EFTC is generous by design — and specific by statute. Here is what every contributor should know.
State credits offset the federal credit
If you receive a state tax credit for the same contribution, your federal credit is reduced by that amount — no double benefit for a single gift. Separate gifts to federal and state programs can each earn their own benefit.
No charitable deduction on top
Because this is a 100% tax credit, federal law does not allow you to also claim a charitable deduction for the same contribution.
Individuals only
Only individual taxpayers may claim the federal credit — businesses and other entities cannot. In a household filing jointly, each spouse who contributes individually may claim their own credit.
Guidance still being finalized
The IRS and U.S. Treasury are finalizing reporting requirements, forms, and administrative details. We'll keep contributors informed as guidance is issued.
Filing jointly? If both spouses contribute individually, a household may claim up to $3,400 in combined federal credits per year.
Contributions open January 1, 2027
On that day, a custom, secure, dedicated portal goes live for EFTC contributions. Pre-register now and be among the first to give — the credit applies to taxable years ending after December 31, 2026.
On January 1, 2027 this button will link to a dedicated, secure portal. Pre-register now and we'll email you the moment it goes live — no refreshing required.
Want to give sooner? Consider a state-level contribution
These state scholarship tax-credit programs are completely separate from the EFTC — and Renew Scholarships is operating in both today.