Commonly Asked Questions
What is the deadline for giving?
Update to the giving deadline: The State of Ohio recently updated the legislation to specify that donors can make a gift to an SGO and qualify to receive the tax credit at any time before they file their taxes for the year. For example, to qualify for the tax credit for tax year 2023, a donor may make a gift at any time during calendar year 2023 OR at any time prior to filing their 2023 taxes before 4/15/24.
Are Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) new?
Yes! Through a new program brought into existence in the 2021 Ohio legislative session, Ohioans can receive a 100% non-refundable tax credit against their Ohio income tax liability for their contributions to a scholarship granting organization. Currently, the program allows for a maximum credit amount, dollar for dollar, of $750 per person (or $1,500 if married filing jointly).
What is the Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio (LSGOO)?
The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio’s purpose it to raise scholarship dollars for students to attend Christian schools throughout Ohio. The LSGOO makes it possible for Ohioans to contribute funds to be allocated to the participating school(s) of the donor’s choice. The schools then allocate the scholarship funds, with priority given to students from low-income households.
Can contributions be earmarked for a specific school?
Yes! Donations can be designated for donor-specified school(s), if the school(s) participate in the LSGOO program (click here for Participating Schools Listing). Contributors to the LSGOO also have the option to give an undesignated contribution that will support schools and students in the Lutheran system based upon need. Scholarships resulting from ALL contributions will be prioritized to students from low-income families.
Who benefits from the LSGOO?
– Students & Families: Donations to the LSGO of Ohio make private Christian education a reality for more students and families.
– Ohio’s Christian Schools: Donations to the LSGO of Ohio allow schools to offer more tuition assistance to families who want to be part of their school communities.
– You, the Ohio Taxpayer: Donors to the LSGO of Ohio qualify to receive a non-refundable tax credit* for their donations, which will be applied to their Ohio income tax liability, dollar-for-dollar, up to $750 (or $1,500 for couple filing jointly).
Is the tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
No, a tax deduction reduces your taxable income, while a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar (up to $750 per person or $1,500 if married filing jointly) credit for your donation. The non-refundable tax credit is then applied against any taxes you pay to the State of Ohio.*
How can I make my donation?
Click here to make your donation securely online. Alternatively, you may send a check made out to The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio, with the memo line specifying the school to which you’d like your donation directed (MUST be a Participating School).
How do I qualify for the tax credit?
Ohio taxpayers may claim, dollar for dollar, up to $750 per person, as a nonrefundable tax credit on their Ohio Individual Income Tax Return (Form Ohio IT 1040). A married couple filing jointly can claim a combined credit of up to $1,500.
You or your tax preparer should post your donation to Line 9 of the Ohio IT 1040 and Line 15 on the Ohio Schedule of Credits.
Those lines read:
2023 Ohio IT 1040:
9. Ohio nonrefundable credits- Ohio Schedule of Credits, line 38 (include schedule)…
2023 Ohio Schedule of Credits:
15. Scholarship donation credit (include copies of all required documentation)…
From the LSGO of Ohio, you will receive a contribution acknowledgment letter in the mail, which identifies your name, donation amount, date of the contribution. This giving statement serves as the required documentation for you to take this credit.
If you are a married couple filing jointly, and you each made a donation of $750, you should post $1500 on the above-mentioned lines.
Donations to the LSGO of Ohio in excess of the $750 cap may be taken as a charitable donation on your federal tax return if you do not claim the scholarship donation credit on your Ohio return. Please consult your tax advisor to determine the deductibility of this contribution.
Click here to view / download a tax information sheet to share with your tax professional.
* The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio is not a tax-advisory organization. Please consult your tax professional to determine how this giving opportunity may impact your individual tax outcome.