This Zoom presentation (click here) explains the program listed below and how to qualify. For more information, please email mjablonski@johnpauliicenter.org or call 610-777-0605.

Individual & Business Tax Credit Program Creates Scholarships

More than half of JPII students rely on scholarships to be able to attend our school.  Many of their families are at or below the poverty level, so these scholarships make all the difference in not only their lives, but also in the lives of their families. Unfortunately, the demand for financial aid far exceeds the resources available.  The good news is that the Special Purpose Entity (SPE) tax credit program is a game changer for our school.

SPE is a tax credit program available through the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation (EPSF).  Both individuals and businesses can participate in this program. JPII WINS with needed scholarship money. YOU WIN with a 90% tax credit and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping a Catholic school community that works tirelessly teaching children with special needs.

Individual Tax Credit

Individuals/couples who participate in the program must be able to donate a minimum of $5,000 per year for a two-year period.  To qualify, you meet ONE of the following criteria:

  • Individuals earning $200,000 or more a year
    OR
    Couples earning $300,000 or more a year
    OR
  • Individuals/couples having a net worth of $1,000,000, excluding primary residence

JPII WINS with needed scholarship money. YOU WIN with a 90% tax credit and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping a Catholic school community that works tirelessly teaching children with special needs.

Business Tax Credit

If you pay a minimum of $5,000 in PA state income tax for your business, you can turn that into a $5,000 scholarship to benefit students at John Paul II Center for Special Learning. PLUS, you will receive a $4,500 (90%) tax credit in return through the Special Purpose Entity.

To qualify as an accredited investor, as defined by the federal and state securities laws, business must meet one of the following criteria:

  • A bank as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in Section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity.
  • A broker or dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  • An insurance company as defined in the Securities Act.
  • A private business development company as defined in the Investment Advisors Act of 1940.
  • A Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under Section 301(c) or 301(d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.
  • A corporation or partnership, not formed for the specific purpose of joining and becoming a Member of the Company, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000.
  • A Massachusetts or similar business trust, not formed for the specific purpose of joining or becoming a Member of the Company, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000.
  • A trust with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of joining and becoming a Member of the Company, whose purchase is directed by a “sophisticated” person.
  • An entity in which all of the equity owners are Accredited Investors.

Program highlights

Program highlights include:

  • This is a state program, not a federal program, so businesses/individuals will benefit only if they pay PA state income taxes.
  • It is a two-year commitment, so consult with your tax preparer to estimate your PA income tax liability for 2020 and 2021.
  • Business firms are broadly defined as any for profit legal entity authorized to do business in PA and subject to PA taxes, including corporations and pass through entities (Subchapter S, LLCs, etc.).
    • Owners can be accredited investors or corporate partnerships that have assets of $5 million.  Other firms such as banks, financial firms and insurance companies have no asset requirements.

This program is for the 2020 and 2021 tax years.  The deadline to participate has been extended to December 30, unless the funds are exhausted, so sign up today!

How to register

To reserve your place in the program:

Please let me know if you are interested in learning more about the program.  It truly is a great opportunity for JPII students as well as for you or your business.  Thank you!

Businesses Approved Through DCED

If your business is already approved to receive EITC/OSTC credits through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, you can request that your funds be distributed to John Paul II Center for Special Learning through the EPSF.

Questions?

For more information regarding individual or business tax credits and how they can provide financial assistance to JPII families who desire a Catholic school education for their children, but do not have the financial resources to pay full tuition, please contact Melissah Jablonski, Director of Advancement, at mjablonski@johnpauliicenter.org or (610) 777-0605.