Just imagine if you could scholarship new students to LCA who have not been able to afford it until now...

Effective July, 2008, House Bill 1133 opened the door for private schools to receive state funds for scholarships. The bill allows the creation of students scholarship organizations; which in turn, has opened the door for scholarship money for new students to attend LCA.

This program is not a tax deduction, which would only lower the taxpayer's burden by a small percentage. It is a full tax credit for the funds directed to the private schools.

With most new programs there are questions and hesitations which are understandable; however, time is crucial for this program. We would like to help clarify any questions you may have regarding this great opportunity. Please review the FAQs below, go to the GOAL Scholarship website or contact Doug Monda, dougm@lcalions.com or Stephanie Wilson, stephaniew@lcalions.com.

Thank you in advance for creating opportunities for new students!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I am on board, what do I do next?
   
• Get Pre-Qualified  There are two options: You may contact the school and we will send you a form or the Georgia Form IT-QEE-TP1 can be downloaded by clicking here. The completed form is returned to the Department of Revenue (“DOR”) or to LCA and we will return it on your behalf. This preapproval form ensures the DOR the annual state wide $50 million cap on these available tax credits has not been exceeded.
• Confirmation  In 30 days or less you will get a form back from the Georgia Department of Revenue approving your contribution.
• Make a Difference  You then have 30 days from the approval date to write your check to: Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program Inc. and designate LCA in the memo section of the check. You can mail the check to the school and we will make sure it gets to GOAL or you can mail it directly. You will then receive an acknowledgement from GOAL Form IT QEE SS01 which you will send along with the approved Form IT QEE TP1 when you file your tax return.
• Get Credit   When you complete your taxes early next year, you get a direct credit against your Georgia income taxes for the amount of your contribution, AND you get a charitable tax deduction on your federal taxes as well if you normally itemize deductions. You get your money back for the contribution because your Georgia taxes are reduced by the same amount!
2. Is there a website address for the program?
   Yes, the web address is www.goalscholarship.org
   
3. What is the intention of the new law?
   The new law is designed to give school choice to families currently in the public school system and who have limited income. 
   
4. Which students are eligible to receive scholarships through Georgia GOAL?
   New students are eligible to LCA from the public school system and incoming kindergarten students.
   
5. What is the maximum amount I can contribute?
   « Single individual or head of household -$1000
   « Married couple filing joint return - $2500
   « 75% of an C corporation’s income tax liability
   « $2500 for an S or LLC corporation
   
6. Will my contribution go to LCA students only?
   You will be able to designate LCA when you send your contribution in to Georgia GOAL but you will not be able to designate a particular student.
   
7. Is there a maximum a student can receive?
   Yes, the maximum scholarship is 85% of the LCA’s tuition or
   $10,000, whichever is less.
   
8. Can the same student receive scholarship money for more than one year?
   Yes, students must qualify each year but there is no time limit to receive the scholarship money.
   
9. Where do contributors designate which school they wish to appropriate funds?
   Contributors can designate the school of their choice in the memo portion of the check they write to Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program.
10. What if a contributor over estimates state taxes and pays too much to Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program?
    The amount paid in can be rolled over to the next tax year for up to five years.
    
11. Is there a deadline to contribute?
    Donors must make the contribution to Georgia GOAL within 30 days of the approval date printed on the Georgia Department of Revenue approval letter.
    
12. What if a contributor changes his mind about the amount he wishes to contribute after he receives approval from the state?
    The amount can be changed to a lower  amount. A contributor cannot increase the amount previously designated on the application form.