Scholarships

This is a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit, not a deduction, and that important difference will have a much greater reduction on a donor’s Ohio tax return as compared to a simple deduction. The net effect is that donations to the Mars Hill SGO will not cost anything to the donor up to the amount that they are able to claim as a credit on their Ohio tax return.

You are not required to itemize your Federal return in order to obtain this Ohio tax credit. This is one of the great features of this tax incentive because so many people do not itemize their charitable deductions. A donation to the Mars Hill SGO allows you to claim your Ohio income tax credit without having to file an itemized Federal tax return.

It is a very simple process – easy as 1-2-3! 

1. Make your contribution to the Mars Hill SGO. A married couple can make two gifts and claim a credit of up to $1,500. To receive the full tax credit, you must have an Ohio tax liability equal to or greater than the amount of the credit.
2. The Mars Hill SGO will send you a letter confirming receipt of your contribution and providing you with evidence to submit with your tax return. 
3. When you file your Ohio tax return, you will claim your credit on the schedule of non-refundable credits under the line item “Scholarship donation credit.” You should submit a copy of the donation confirmation letter from the Mars Hill SGO with your return. 

The IRS generally disallows tax deductions on a filer's Federal return that receive state tax credits. However, donations to the Mars Hill SGO above the Ohio SGO tax credit received are eligible for a charitable deduction on your Federal income taxes. The specific regulation covering this is Treasury Decision 9864 can be found HERE. Consult with your tax specialist to review your specific tax situation.

You can! Generally, donations to the Mars Hill SGO above the Ohio tax credit (the lesser of $750 per filer, or your Ohio tax liability) are also eligible for deducting on your Federal income taxes. The IRS generally disallows tax deductions on a filer’s Federal return that receive state tax credits. Ohio taxpayers generally are not permitted to take deductions for charitable contributions. Consult with your tax specialist to review your specific tax situation.

Please note that this is a non-refundable tax credit, and if your Ohio tax liability is less than your contribution, you will only receive a credit from the State of Ohio up to the amount of your contribution (capped at $750 dollars per person/$1,500 per married couple) or your tax liability — whichever is lower. However, since the Mars Hill SGO is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)3 charity under federal tax laws, any contribution in excess of what you claim as a credit on your Ohio return may be eligible for a Federal tax deduction. Consult with your tax advisor for additional details.

Yes, you can!  Donations to the Mars Hill SGO are eligible for the Ohio SGO credit. While contributions to Mars Hill Academy are not eligible for the Ohio SGO tax credit, they do continue to be eligible for a charitable deduction on your Federal return.

Donations are accepted year-round. Gifts made up until the filing of the tax return can be retroactively applied to the previous year’s taxes. Therefore, taxpayers who donate to an SGO by April 15 may elect to include that donation on their previous year Ohio tax returns.

Yes. The tax credit is on a per-individual taxpayer basis. Married couples can receive up to two separate $750 credits, totaling $1,500. To receive the maximum credit, spouses must make TWO SEPARATE $750 donations, one in each of their names. A single $1,500 contribution may result in receiving a single $750 tax credit. Eligibility for the credit requires the taxpayer to have an Ohio tax liability equal to or greater than the credit claimed. This is a non-refundable tax credit.

The Mars Hill SGO is funded through donor contributions for the benefit of Mars Hill Academy students. You can trust that your contributions will be directed accordingly and to no other institution. Scholarship recipients are selected through a careful evaluation process. Our committee reviews all applications and assesses each candidate's eligibility, financial need, academic performance, and commitment to classical, Christian education. Awards are kept confidential and are based on available funds and the number of applicants. By State of Ohio law, qualified low-income families must be prioritized in the granting of scholarships from an SGO.

The Mars Hill SGO benefits Mars Hill Academy students in Kindergarten through 12^th grade. All K-12 families accepted at Mars Hill Academy and who have applied for Tuition Assistance through the Blackbaud Tuition Assistance program will automatically be considered for a Mars Hill SGO scholarship. Additionally, families who have not applied but would like for their children to be considered may request an application form in the office of Mars Hill Academy. Applications should be submitted by March 1^st in order to be considered for scholarships for the following school year. 

The Mars Hill SGO grants scholarships without discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin.

Yes. Students can receive both SGO Scholarships and Tuition Assistance. The MHA Tuition Assistance Committee (which excludes members of the Board) will consider SGO scholarships and tuition assistance options together when determining the overall financial aid.

The vast majority of donations pay for scholarships at Mars Hill Academy. A small amount pays for the necessary administration, legal compliance, and operation of the Mars Hill SGO.

Scholarships are awarded each spring to students that are enrolled for the following school year. Scholarships are applied to student tuition the next school year.

No. In order to qualify for a charitable gift, donations must be made to the organization rather than designated to a particular person.

Yes. Donors will receive a donation letter. Taxpayers intending to claim the credit should file a copy of this letter with their Ohio tax return.

We appreciate support from individuals, corporations, or organizations wishing to contribute to our cause. Donations can be mailed or delivered to the school office at 4230 Aero Drive, Mason, Ohio 45040. Please make your check payable to the Mars Hill SGO if you want your contribution to be eligible for the Ohio income tax credit. You may also click the "Make a Gift" button above to make your gift electronically.