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Education Freedom Tax Credit

Direct Your Federal Taxes Toward Educational Freedom

When you donate to a Scholarship Granting Organization like Accord Kids, you receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 — no matter what state you live in. And when your governor opts in, local children gain access to the Christian school their family has chosen. Contributions open January 1, 2027.

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$1,700
Maximum federal tax credit per donor per year
$24B
Projected annual education funding nationally
Contributions Open In
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Until January 1, 2027
Simple Process

How the Federal Tax Credit Works

The Education Freedom Tax Credit is a federal program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Donors in any state can claim the credit — state opt-in only affects whether families can receive scholarships.

1

Anyone Can Donate

Any U.S. citizen or resident can contribute to a Scholarship Granting Organization and claim the federal tax credit — no state opt-in required for donors. State participation only affects whether families can receive scholarships.

2

You Make a Charitable Contribution

You donate cash to Accord Kids, an SGO powered by the American Association of Christian Schools Children's Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the program open January 1, 2027.

3

Claim Your Federal Tax Credit

When filing your federal income tax return, you receive a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700 against your federal income taxes owed. Unused credit carries forward up to 5 years.

4

Scholarships Reach Students

Accord Kids uses at least 90% of contributions to fund scholarships for eligible K–12 students — covering tuition, tutoring, supplies, and more at schools of their family's choosing.

Christian Schools in Action

Where Faith Meets Excellence

From Bible memorization championships to academic achievement and award-winning teachers, AACS member schools are transforming lives across America.

AACS National Bible Quiz Competition 2024
Psalm 119:11

Hiding God's Word in Their Hearts

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

This March, from California to North Carolina, states will host Bible Quiz tournaments on the books of Romans and James. Teams of five competitors will answer "According to this verse," "finish-this-verse," or "Quote this verse" questions. State winners will be eligible for the National Competition in Greenville, South Carolina in April.

Last year, First Baptist Schools of Long Beach, California won the national championship. While winning a Bible Quiz tournament is exciting, there are no losers when you memorize Scripture — for as God told Joshua, "then thou shalt have good success."

Christian school graduates in cap and gown
Proverbs 21:5

Diligent Students, Exceptional Results

"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness."

According to 2025 data from Wisconsin's Private School Choice Program's ACT testing, two of the four highest-scoring schools in the state are AACS members. Maranatha Baptist Academy and Bay City Christian School outscored 70 other private Choice schools, with average ACT scores of 24.0 and 23.8.

Due to program eligibility requirements, only students from families below 220% of poverty were included — meaning low-income students at these Christian schools significantly outperformed the national average of 19.4 (which includes both low- and high-income students).

Great job, students! Continue using the gifts God has given you!

Jessica Valente, Herzog Foundation Teacher of the Year
Herzog Foundation Teacher of the Year

Equipping Every Child for God's Purpose

"We are teaching the parents that they matter, that their children are made in the image of God, and that we love them." — Jessica Valente

Jessica Valente is a Lead Teacher in the Hope Allen Center for Exceptional Children at AACS member Tabernacle Christian School in Hickory, North Carolina. In 2025 she was selected by the Herzog Foundation as one of their Teachers of the Year.

Valente, interviewed on the AACS Today Podcast, shared her heart: "Bringing special education into Christian education does a lot of things, not just for my students, but for the people around my students… I don't know what God has for my students, but I really hope that I'm able to help equip them for whatever he does have for them, not just in an academic sense."

Congratulations, Mrs. Valente!

Why Donors Choose Accord Kids

A Federal Credit. A Local Impact.

The Education Freedom Tax Credit is a federal program — not a deduction, but a true dollar-for-dollar credit off what you owe in federal income taxes.

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Up to $1,700 Federal Tax Credit

Donors receive a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 per year for qualifying contributions to an SGO like Accord Kids.

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Credit, Not a Deduction

A tax credit reduces your actual federal tax bill dollar-for-dollar — more powerful than a deduction, which only reduces taxable income.

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Local Scholarships, Real Students

SGOs like Accord Kids must use at least 90% of contributions on scholarships for eligible K–12 students. When a governor opts their state in, those scholarships flow to families within that state.

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Open to All U.S. Donors

Any U.S. citizen or resident can donate and claim the federal tax credit regardless of their state. State participation is only needed for families to receive scholarship funds — not for donors.

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Carry Forward Up to 5 Years

If you can't use the full $1,700 credit in one year, the unused portion carries forward for up to five tax years.

What ACCORD Kids Scholarships Can Cover
Christian School Tuition & Fees
  • Full or partial private school tuition
  • Enrollment & registration fees
  • School activity & technology fees
  • Any required school fees for K–12 students
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Education Freedom Tax Credit and donating through Accord Kids.

The Education Freedom Tax Credit allows taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for charitable contributions made to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Unlike a deduction, a tax credit reduces your federal income tax owed dollar-for-dollar. Any U.S. citizen or resident in a state or D.C. who makes a qualifying contribution to an SGO may claim the credit. Contributions open January 1, 2027.
An SGO is a nonprofit charity that uses at least 90% of its income to fund scholarships for eligible K–12 students seeking education choice options. SGOs must be listed on a participating state's official SGO list and are prohibited from funding anything other than qualified elementary or secondary education expenses.
First, a state governor opts in, making it a "covered state" and publishing an official SGO list. Second, a donor makes a cash contribution to an SGO on that list. Third, when filing their federal income tax return, the donor claims a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700. If the full credit cannot be used in one year, the unused portion carries forward for up to five years.
Students who are eligible to enroll in a public elementary or secondary school and whose household income does not exceed 300% of the area's median gross income qualify for scholarships. Most students in participating states will be eligible, meaning the more donors who participate, the more students can be served. See income eligibility levels by state →
Scholarships can cover any qualified K–12 education expense — including tuition at a private or charter school of choice, academic tutoring, classroom supplies, fees, equipment, uniforms for career training programs, and after-school enrichment. Scholarship amounts are not capped at $1,700; the SGO determines the award based on its mission and available funds.
No. Any U.S. citizen or resident can donate to an SGO and claim the federal tax credit regardless of their state's participation. State opt-in only determines whether families within that state can receive scholarship funds. You can donate from any state and still receive your $1,700 credit.
No. This program does not divert money from local or state taxes, which make up the large majority of public school funding. Instead, it encourages voluntary charitable giving from taxpayers. The federal tax credit offsets federal income taxes — it does not redirect any local or state education funding.
In December 2025, the Treasury Department and IRS issued a request for comments and guidance allowing states to declare advance intent to participate for 2027. Final implementing rules and guidance for taxpayers, charities, and states are expected to be issued in 2026. The credit becomes available for contributions made on or after January 1, 2027.
A recent report estimates the Education Freedom Tax Credit could generate an additional $24 billion in education funding annually. Every $1 billion in scholarships could fund private school tuition for approximately 77,000 students, or cover tutoring services for more than 300,000 students.
Research strongly supports it. Among 16 randomized controlled trial evaluations of school choice on academic achievement, 10 found positive impacts. Of 33 empirical studies on the competitive effects of school choice on public school achievement, 31 found positive outcomes. And 25 of 28 studies examining fiscal effects found that education choice policies saved taxpayer money.
In most cases, yes — if your federal tax liability is equal to or greater than your donation, you receive a dollar-for-dollar credit. For example, a $1,700 donation reduces your federal tax bill by exactly $1,700, making your net out-of-pocket cost $0. Because this is a nonrefundable credit, it cannot exceed your total tax owed — so your benefit depends on your individual tax situation. Use our out-of-pocket cost calculator → to see exactly how it works for your numbers.
No. Federal law prohibits Scholarship Granting Organizations from earmarking or setting aside contributions for a specific student. This rule applies to all SGOs participating in the Education Freedom Tax Credit program and is designed to ensure that scholarships are awarded fairly and impartially, based on eligibility criteria rather than donor preference. When you donate to Accord Kids, your contribution goes into a scholarship fund that benefits eligible students broadly — not any one individual.
Ready to Give?

Pledge Your Donation for 2027

The Education Freedom Tax Credit opens for contributions on January 1, 2027. You can donate from any state — pledge now and we'll walk you through the process at launch.

📣 Want kids in your state to benefit?

Your governor must opt your state in for families to receive scholarships. Urge your governor to act →

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844-ACCORD-5
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