Georgia businesses help students succeed!
Favorable state and federal tax laws and regulations allow C corporations, trusts, and pass-through businesses to improve Georgia K-12 education while achieving remarkable tax benefits through this powerful and popular tax credit program.
A C corporation or trust can take advantage of a Georgia income tax credit for up to 75% of its annual tax liability. Additionally, when a C corporation or trust makes a payment to a charitable organization (like Georgia GOAL), and receives a corresponding state income tax credit, the IRS recognizes it as an ordinary and necessary business payment, eligible for a federal deduction (IRS Rev. Proc. 2019-12).
For pass-through businesses, there are two opportunities to make a substantial impact on K-12 education through GOAL. Consult your tax advisor, as your application limits and the way to apply depend on how you will pay your 2025 taxes (see two distinct options below).
Note that applications exceeded available credits in 2024, resulting in each applicant being approved for only 63% of the amount requested. GOAL anticipates oversubscription and proration again for 2025.
1. Electing Pass-Through Method:
GOAL tax credit is claimed at the entity level, under the name and FEIN of the pass-through business
| Tax Filing Status | Tax Credit Limit |
| Pass-Through electing to pay tax at the entity level (HB 149) | 75% of annual tax liability |
HB 149 allows Georgia pass-through businesses to elect to pay state income tax at the entity level, thereby enabling the pass-through owners to avoid the $10,000 SALT deduction limitation on their earnings from the business. For businesses making this election, they may contribute up to 75% of their state income tax liability to GOAL. This not only helps more families access their desired K-12 education, but can result in significant cost savings for the business owners.
2. Individual Pass-Through Owner Method:
GOAL tax credit is claimed at the individual level, under the name(s) and SSN(s) of the pass-through business owner (and spouse, if applicable)
| Tax Filing Status | Tax Credit Limit |
| Pass-Through Owner (not making HB 149 election) | $25,000 |
For businesses who do not elect to pay state income tax at the entity level, pass-through owners can receive a tax credit for up to $25,000 if they anticipate paying that much income tax as a result of their pass-through ownership, taking into account both profits (K-1 income) and wages (W-2 income) received from the business. Plus, these pass-throughs can also deduct contributions to GOAL if they qualify as ordinary and necessary business expenses, resulting in potential federal tax savings.