Last Day to Apply for Tax Credits to Help Local Schools

Mt. Airy USA Executive Director Anuj Gupta said at last week’s West Mt. Airy Neighbor’s meeting that the future of Mt. Airy’s neighborhood schools was vital to the future of Mt. Airy.

“They are the lynchpin of Mt. Airy’s future,” Gupta said.  “Keeping them viable is important to everyone.”

Now, Mt. Airy USA as partnered with the East Mount Airy Neighbors and the West Mt. Airy Neighbors to form an Educational Improvement Tax Credit organization.

“It is a state tax credit,” said Abby Thaker, who works for Mt. Airy USA.

“Businesses in the program can claim a sizeable tax write-off if they donate to this program.”

The program, run by the state of Pennsylvania, allows businesses to contribute part of their state taxes to a local scholarship organization that benefits local schools.

“Businesses can write-off 75 percent of their taxes for a one year commitment and 90 percent for two years,” Thaker said.

“Thaker added, “If a business donates $100, then $90 will be detracted from their tax bill.”

That $90 will then go into a pool of money that will be rewarded as grants to local schools for various programs.

“They're usually afterschool enrichment programs, or programs for arts and music,” Thaker said.  “Those kinds of things.”

So far, the program would be looking to fund programs at A.B. Day Elementary, Emlen Elementary, Henry Elementary, Houston Elementary, Lingelbach Elementary and Jenks Elementary.

“For example, Emlen has applied for a grant to found an afterschool music program, and Henry and Houston have requested computers for early elementary math and literature education.”

Thaker went on to say that businesses need to apply to the state for these credits, but they can only apply on one day—July 1.

“The application process is tricky,” Thaker said.  “Any interested business should contact me or Mt. Airy USA to help walk them through the process.”

Thaker added that 90 percent of the applicants who apply on the first day get the credit, but making sure the application is in order is crucial. 

So far, a number of businesses in the area have committed to the program including The Trolley Car Diner and Earth Bread and Brewery.

“The applications are awarded on a first come, first serve basis,” Thaker said.  “July 1 is the first day they’re accepting applications, but it’s also the deadline.”