Local Businesses Can Support SCASD Students with Tax Credits

SCASD Foundation has been approved to receive contributions through Pennsylvania’s Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. EITC allows PA-based businesses to earn tax credits in exchange for charitable giving to approved entities.

How does the EITC program work?

Tax credits equal to 75% of their total charitable contribution are available to businesses with proof of a donation during a taxable year; tax credits equal to up to 90% are available to those committed to contribute the same amount for two consecutive years.

How can you apply?

Annual EITC tax credits availability and eligibility are limited. Applications are accepted starting July 1, on a first-come, first-served basis. Any applications received before July 1 are disqualified. For more details, contact.


Paul Olivett, Executive Director
SCASD Education Foundation
(814) 883-8067
pgo11@scasd.org

Individuals and Small Business Owners Can Support SCASD Students Through Special Purpose Entities

An expansion of the EITC program, specifically created for high-income individuals and small business owners, Special Purposes Entities allow those qualified to earn tax credits in conjunction with charitable giving.

What are the limitations?

Tax credits cannot exceed $750,000 per business each year, and credits must be used in the same year that the donation is given.

Who can invest in a Special Purpose Entity?

Accredited investors (i.e. $200,000 income or $1,000,000 net worth), with at least a $3,500 Pennsylvania income tax liability, are ideal candidates to invest in a Special Purpose Entity. Individuals with income solely from a sole proprietorship or employment with a non-profit organizations (e.g. Penn State University, Mt. Nittany Medical Center, etc.) are not eligible for the EITC program’s tax credits and should not invest in a SPE.

What are the tax benefits of joining a Special Purpose Entity?

Members of a Special Purpose Entity can receive an EITC tax credit to apply against their Pennsylvania state income tax equal to 90% of the contribution to the Special Purpose Entity. In addition, the contribution to the Special Purpose Entity qualifies for a charitable income tax deduction on the member’s federal income tax return.

For example, if a member contributes $5,000 to a Special Purpose Entity, the member will get a $4,500 tax credit and a $1,400 reduction in federal income tax liability (assuming 28% federal AMT tax rate), which is a $5,900 tax reduction on a $5,000 investment or an 18% return on the $5,000 investment.

Without Contribution to SPE With Contribution to SPE
Gross Income $200,000 Gross Income $200,000
Charitable Contribution $0 Charitable Contribution ($5,000)
Taxable Income $200,000 Taxable Income $195,000
Federal Income Tax (28%) $56,000 Federal Income Tax (28%) $54,600
Pennsylvania Income Tax (3%) $6,000 Pennsylvania Income Tax (3%) $6,000
EITC Credit $0 EITC Credit ($4,500)
Net Pennsylvania Income Tax $6,000 Net Pennsylvania Income Tax $1,500
Total Tax $62,000 Total Tax $56,100
  Tax Savings $5,900

Does the SCASD Education Foundation manage a Special Purpose Entity?

No. The SCASD Education Foundation has neither the staff nor the skills necessary to effectively manage a Special Purpose Entity. However, the SCASD Education Foundation will accept EITC from any Special Purpose Entity.

Is there a local Special Purpose Entity I can join?

Tyrone CPA Randy Tarpey created the Central Pennsylvania Special Purpose Entity Two LLC for the sole purpose of participating in the EITC tax credit programs. Central Pennsylvania Special Purpose Entity Two LLC memberships are now available to individuals and entities which meet its investment requirements and can commit a minimum of $3,500 annually for two consecutive years.

How do I join the Central Pennsylvania Special Purpose Entity Two LLC?

Individuals interested in joining Central Pennsylvania Special Purpose Entity Two LLC should review, complete and submit the signed Joinder to Limited Liability Company Agreement of Central Pennsylvania Special Purpose Entity Two LLC to Randy Tarpey. Please see Randy’s contact information below. Memberships in Central Pennsylvania Special Purpose Entity Two LLC are only available until it has been fully subscribed. Randy and his team manage partnership agreements and member compliance tax documentation and will forward member-designated contributions to the SCASD Education Foundation.

Please contact the following individuals for questions about Central Pennsylvania Special Purpose Entity Two LLC and/or SCASD Education Foundation:

Randy Tarpey

Sickler, Tarpey & Associates

(814) 684-4640

randytarpey@hksickler.com

 

Paul Olivett, Executive Director

SCASD Education Foundation

(814) 883-8067

pgo11@scasd.org

 

Douglas C. Loviscky, President

SCASD Education Foundation

(814) 231-1391

doug@lovisckylaw.com

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before investing in a Special Purpose Entity.