The EITC program authorizes substantial tax credits for businesses contributing to Educational Improvement Organizations (EIOs), like United Way of Berks County. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and enables companies to support educational programs, Pre-K and scholarships.
What are the Benefits of Participation?
- Businesses can significantly reduce their Pennsylvania tax liability.
- Supporting a worthy cause enhances a company’s image.
- Employees appreciate support for education in their own community.
How Does United Way of Berks County Use EITC Funds?
EITC funds support Read Alliance, a program of United Way’s Ready.Set.READ! initiative. Read Alliance pairs high school student tutors with first graders to teach a phonetics-based curriculum to boost reading skills. The teens gain valuable leadership and job skills through this paid work experience, and the first graders achieve measurable reading progress.
Application Guidelines:
The program year is July 1 through June 30. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis using DCED’s Single Application for Assistance. Applications are approved until the available amount of tax credits is exhausted.
Download a full copy of the guidelines
Eligibility:
Companies authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and subject to the following taxes are eligible to apply:
- Personal Income Tax
- Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
- Corporate Net Income Tax
- Bank Shares Tax
- Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
- Insurance Premium Tax (excluding unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
- Mutual Thrift Tax
- Malt Beverage Tax
- Surplus Lines Tax
Funding:
A business can qualify for a tax credit equivalent to 75% of its contributions, capped at a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. However, if the business commits to providing the same contribution amount for two consecutive tax years at the time of application, the tax credit can be increased to 90% of the contributions, still with the same maximum limit of $750,000 per taxable year. To secure and maintain the 90% tax credit, the company must consistently contribute the same amount in both of the consecutive tax years.