Receiving Your Scholarship Donation Tax Credit
Step-by-step

 

Introduction
 

Receiving your scholarship donation tax credit is easier than you think!

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Effective 2025, Harambee Christian School will utilize the Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) as its certified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Gifts must be made through OCEN to be eligible for the tax credit.

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Have questions about the process? Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure you are on track to benefit.

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Note: If you already know your state tax liability exceeds $750 per individual or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly, you can skip directly to step 3. If you are unsure of your tax liability, Steps 1 and 2 will clarify how much you can receive.

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Step 1 - Understanding Your Tax Liability

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While completing your State income tax return 2025 Ohio IT 1040, note the amount of your tax liability on Line 10. (Tax liability after nonrefundable credits - Ohio Schedule of Credits, Line 39).

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Step 2 - Determine Your Gift Amount

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If you are single and your Line 10 tax liability amount is $750 or higher, you can give the maximum allowable credit of $750. If Line 10 is lower than $750, you may give up to that amount.

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New this year for married couples filing jointly: If your tax liability is $1,500 or higher, you can make one single gift up to $1,500, assuming both spouses’ names are on the gift and account.

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Step 3 - Make Your Gift Through OCEN

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Make your donation in support of Harambee through OCEN, and save a copy of your giving receipt from your OCEN account or email.

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To access the OCEN SGO, visit: https://ohiocen.org/ocen-sgo/

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Note: If it is your first time giving through OCEN, you will be asked to create an account. Click the Donate Now button, and complete the form. If married filing jointly, use both spouses names on the account (i.e. John and Jane Doe).

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Next, select either giving by “Check” or “ACH Direct Debit” and select Harambee Christian School from the drop-down menu. You can also access Harambee’s specific giving page by visiting:

https://app.ocen.org/applications/new?school_id=15014.

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While the deadline for your 2025 donation is April 15, 2026, we recommend completing this step as soon as you are able.

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Step 4 - Claim Your Credit While Completing your Ohio Tax Return

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You will record the amount of your gift to OCEN on form 2025 Ohio Schedule of Credits, Line 15 (Scholarship donation credit).

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Then, transfer the amount on Line 39 from the 2025 Ohio Schedule of Credits (Total nonrefundable credits) to Line 9 (Ohio nonrefundable credits) on form 2025 Ohio IT 1040.

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Step 5 - Include OCEN Receipt With Tax Filing

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Submit a copy of your OCEN receipt with your tax filing.

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Step 6 - File Taxes. Receive Credit.

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File your State income taxes either on-line or by mail. Your credit will be received as a part of your tax return after the State processes your paperwork.

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Step 7 - Celebrate!

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Congratulations! You’ve redirected the taxes you are already paying to fund a cause you truly care about. We are grateful for you!

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Working with a Tax Professional?

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If you use a tax professional, make sure they don’t complete your tax filing until after your contribution through OCEN is made. After making your gift, provide your contribution receipt to your tax professional to include when filing.