The federal tax credit
A new way to turn federal tax liability into educational opportunity
Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible individual taxpayers may be able to claim a federal income-tax credit for qualifying cash contributions to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations. Utah Scholarship Fund is preparing to seek the approvals required to participate.
Who may contribute?
The federal credit is designed for individual taxpayers who make qualifying cash contributions to eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations included on a participating state's official SGO list.
How much is the credit?
The credit is generally limited to qualifying contributions of up to $1,700 per individual taxpayer per year, subject to the taxpayer's federal tax liability and applicable federal requirements. The credit is structured as nonrefundable.
Is it a deduction?
No. A tax credit generally reduces qualifying federal income-tax liability directly, while a deduction generally reduces taxable income. This is educational information and not individualized tax advice.
When does it begin?
The federal credit is scheduled to begin for qualifying contributions made on or after January 1, 2027.
Which organizations qualify?
Only contributions to organizations that satisfy federal SGO requirements and appear on an official list submitted by a participating state can qualify.
Who may receive scholarships?
Eligible students must meet federal and state requirements, which may include household-income requirements tied to area median income, along with additional Utah criteria that will be published as state guidance is finalized.
What can scholarships support?
Scholarships may be available for qualified elementary and secondary educational expenses permitted under federal law, final Treasury and IRS guidance, Utah requirements, and Utah Scholarship Fund policies. Potential categories may include:
- •Private-school tuition and required fees
- •Tutoring
- •Curriculum and instructional materials
- •Education technology
- •Assessments
- •Certain special-needs educational services
- •Other qualified expenses
Illustrative only — final eligible expenses have not yet been published by Utah Scholarship Fund.
Example
A simplified illustration
- Qualifying contribution
- $1,700
- Potential federal credit
- Up to $1,700
- Scholarship impact
- Contribution supports scholarships administered by the approved SGO.
This illustration assumes the contribution and organization satisfy all program requirements and that the taxpayer has sufficient federal income-tax liability. Actual tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, other credits, state benefits, and final guidance. Consult a qualified tax professional.
Timeline
Program timeline
- 01
2025
Federal scholarship tax-credit program enacted.
- 02
2026
Federal implementation, state participation decisions, guidance, rulemaking, and organizational preparation.
- 03
Jan 1, 2027
Federal credit scheduled to become available for eligible contributions.
- 04
2027+
Approved organizations may begin raising qualifying contributions and awarding scholarships in accordance with applicable requirements.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Primary sources
Primary sources and updates
Refer to official sources for the most current guidance. Links open in a new tab.
Internal Revenue Service guidance
IRS.gov
Last reviewed: Pending
U.S. Treasury guidance
Treasury.gov
Last reviewed: Pending
Statutory text for IRC §25F
Congress.gov
Last reviewed: Pending
Official Utah announcements
Utah.gov
Last reviewed: Pending
Utah agency rules
Utah Administrative Rules
Last reviewed: Pending
Utah Scholarship Fund organizational updates
Utah Scholarship Fund
Get updates as guidance is finalized
We'll send occasional, plain-language updates as federal and Utah rules are published and as our SGO application progresses.