At the SHRM Jacksonville Chapter Meeting, we had the opportunity to connect with HR professionals about a new federal program that could make it easier for employees to support Florida K-12 students' educational opportunities while receiving a federal tax benefit.
Beginning January 1, 2027, the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) will create a new way for individuals to contribute to eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually. For employers, the program presents an opportunity to offer employees a simple way to support educational opportunities for students through workplace giving.
Understanding the Education Freedom Tax Credit
The Education Freedom Tax Credit allows eligible donors to contribute to participating Scholarship Granting Organizations, like Step Up, Step Further, and receive a federal tax credit equal to their contribution, up to the annual limit.
Florida has elected to participate in the program, creating an opportunity to help expand educational options for K-12 students and their families. Through these contributions, more students can access learning environments that best meet their unique needs.
Why Employers Are Paying Attention
Many organizations already encourage employees to give back through workplace giving campaigns, volunteer programs, and charitable initiatives. The Education Freedom Tax Credit introduces another way for employees to make a difference.
By participating through payroll deduction or other giving methods, employees may be able to support educational opportunities for students while receiving a federal tax credit in return.
For employers, the program can complement existing community engagement and employee giving efforts while helping employees connect their charitable giving to a cause that has a lasting impact on students and families.
Preparing for 2027
As organizations learn more about the Education Freedom Tax Credit, many HR leaders are exploring how the program might fit within their existing benefits, payroll, and giving programs.
Getting started may include:
With the right partner and a clear process, organizations can implement a program that is manageable for both HR and payroll teams.
How Step Up, Step Further Can Help
Step Up, Step Further is a Florida-based Scholarship Granting Organization dedicated to helping public and private K-12 students access educational opportunities through the Education Freedom Tax Credit program.
We work alongside employers to help them understand the program, explore employee giving options, and provide resources that make participation simple and easy to communicate.
Together, we can help create more opportunities for Florida students while giving employees a meaningful way to invest in the future of education.Interested in learning more? Contact Step Up, Step Further to explore how your organization can prepare for the Education Freedom Tax Credit and support students and families beginning in 2027.
