Donating Your Tax Liability made easy step-by-step guide

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1 Donating Your Tax Liability made easy step-by-step guide ALABAMA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND CREATING BRIGHTER FUTURES.

2 You can change a life at no cost to you. Who We Are AOSF leads the way statewide in providing thousands of low-income children the educational opportunity that will give them a successful future. For the school year, AOSF invested $11.7 million in education around the state. AOSF is governed by an unpaid, volunteer board of directors: Governor Bob Riley, Chairman Reverend H.K. Matthews John F. Kirtley Anne White John Cooper Joe Pfountz Chad Fincher Tommy Lee What We Do The Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF) empowers families to choose the school that best fits their child s unique educational needs. AOSF provides scholarships to low-income, K-12 children who are not succeeding in their current environment. Scholarships are funded by the donation of corporate and individual Alabama income tax liability for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AOSF currently funds over 2,000 students who attend one of 150 AOSF partner schools in 39 Alabama counties. "School choice improves the chance of all children to be able to get a quality education. That is what we need in this country: to be able to succeed and thrive. It is essential for Alabama's success. We are encouraging Alabama businesses and individuals to make a contribution to the scholarship organization so low-income kids can gain the power of knowledge." -Governor Jeb Bush Chairman, Foundation for Excellence in Education

3 Donate your tax liability. It s easy, and it s cost-free. $42 million dollars distributed since ,865 Scholarship Need by County Mobile/Baldwin Counties Montgomery County Jefferson County* Madison County Blackbelt Counties** Tuscaloosa County 23 Other Counties $3.6M students $2.6M students $2.2.M 367 students $1.2M students $1M 152 students $280, students $1.3M students scholarships to low-income children in 39 counties. *(includes Birmingham, Fairfield, and Bessemer) **(includes Dallas, Perry, Sumter, Barbour, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Perry, and Wilcox) 150 schools partner with AOSF to provide students with more education options. For every dollar you put into this program, you transform a life, you create a future. I don't know too many other programs where you can get that type of return." - William J. Canary, President and CEO of Business Council of Alabama

4 Change the lives of Alabama students Student Awards AOSF invested nearly $12 million in scholarships this past school year to over 2,000 children in 39 Alabama counties. AOSF seeks to partner with all non-failing public schools and with all 183 private schools approved by the Alabama Department of Revenue. County Total Awarded County Total Awarded Autauga County 1 Lowndes County 4 Baldwin County 13 Macon County 10 Barbour County 4 Madison County 213 Bullock County 30 Marshall County 5 Calhoun County 14 Mobile County 661 Chambers County 42 Montgomery County 442 Chilton County 6 Morgan County 2 Clarke County 1 Perry County 6 Clay County 8 Pickens County 2 Dallas County 112 Pike County 8 DeKalb County 1 Randolph County 1 Elmore County 6 Russell County 11 Etowah County 7 Shelby County 8 Greene County 8 St. Clair County 12 Hale County 1 Talladega County 4 Houston County 1 Tuscaloosa County 48 Jefferson County 367 Walker County 4 Lauderdale County 4 Washington County 5 Lee County 5 Wilcox County 1 Limestone County 10 "I will be able to see great things I have achieved through them. Seeing them walk down the aisle with their gown and cap on - I'm already proud of them, but it will make me more tearful and joyful to see that happen. I just never knew so many people cared about my kids' education." - Larry Newbie, AOSF Grandparent

5 Invest Responsibly in Alabama education. At AOSF, we value accountability in our organization as well as in the schools with which we participate. Schools must comply with accreditation and student testing standards and must complete background checks following state protocol. AOSF provides frequent reports to the Alabama Department of Revenue and is audited annually by the national accounting firm RSM US, LLP. AOSF is a subsidiary of the Florida tax-credit scholarship granting organization Step Up for Students (SUFS). Charity Navigator ranks Step Up for Students as its 4th top charity in the nation. The typical AOSF child... Lives near poverty. The average household income is $28,189. Is a minority. 83% of AOSF students are minorities. Is at a higher risk of falling behind.* Feels safer in their new school environment.** Donating to AOSF is a win-win for many Alabama taxpayers and some extraordinary children. I encourage all my friends to consider supporting these students. It's really a no-brainer. And I encourage them not to wait until year-end but consider donating right now." -Bruce Ely, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP *According to a 2014 report by the Business Education Alliance of Alabama. **According to a collaborative parent survey by AOSF and the American Federation for Children.

6 AOSF Partner Schools Autauga County East Memorial Christian Academy Autauga Academy Baldwin County Christ the King Catholic School St. Benedict Catholic School St. Michael Catholic High School St. Patrick School Barbour County The Lakeside School Parkview Christian School Bibb County Cahawba Christian Academy Bullock County Conecuh Springs Christian Academy Calhoun County Jacksonville Christian Academy Sacred Heart Catholic School Trinity Christian Academy Chambers County Chambers Academy Springwood School Chilton County Chilton Christian Academy Clarke County Jackson Academy Clay County Clay County Christian Academy First Assembly Christian School Crenshaw County Crenshaw Christian Academy Cullman County Vinemont Christian Academy Dallas County Cathedral Christian Academy Ellwood Christian Academy Dallas County cont d McRae Learning Center Meadowview Christian School DeKalb County Cornerstone Christian Academy Elmore County Prattville Christian Academy Escambia County Escambia Academy Etowah County Coosa Christian School Holy Comforter Episcopal Day School St. James Catholic School Greene County Lighthouse Christian School Henry County Abbeville Christian Academy Houston County Westgate Christian School Jackson County Floral Crest School Jefferson County The Alabama School of Fine Arts The American Academy The Arlington School Brentwood Christian Academy Briarwood Christian School Brooklane Baptist Academy Calvary Resurrection Christian Academy Central Park Christian School Ephesus Academy Gardendale Christian Academy Holy Family Catholic Academy Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School Hoover Christian School Integrity Christian Academy John Carroll Catholic High School Jefferson County cont d Maranathan Academy Mt. Pilgrim Christian Academy New Generation Christian School New Life Christian School of Excellence Northside Christian School Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School Our Lady of Sorrows School Prince of Peace Catholic School R. A. Hudson Christian Academy Saint Rose Academy Shades Mountain Christian School St. Aloysius Catholic School St. Barnabas Regional School St. Francis Xavier School Tabernacle Christian School Winewood Christian School Lauderdale County Mars Hill Bible School Shoals Christian School Lee County Glenwood School Limestone County Lindsay Lane Christian Academy Macon County St. Joseph Catholic School Madison County Big Cove Christian Academy First Missionary Baptist Grace Lutheran School Greengate School Holy Family Regional School Huntsville Achievement School Huntsville Christian Academy Montessori School of Huntsville Oakwood Adventist Academy Rhema Word Ministries St. John Paul II Catholic High School St. John the Baptist Catholic School Union Chapel Christian Academy Valley Fellowship Christian Academy

7 AOSF Partner Schools AOSF Partner Schools cont d Marengo County West Alabama Christian School Marshall County Marshall Christian School Mobile County Alabama School of Math and Science Corpus Christi Catholic School Cottage Hill Christian Academy Covenant Christian School Emmanuel Junior Academy Faith Academy of Mobile Government Street Christian School Grace Temple Christian Academy Knollwood Christian School Little Flower Catholic School LWCC Kingdom Academy McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Mobile Christian School Mobile Junior Academy Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School North Mobile Christian School Prichard Preparatory School Revelation Christian School Safe Haven Christian Academy St. Dominic Catholic School St. Ignatius Catholic School St. Luke s Episcopal School St. John's School for Tomorrow St. Mary Catholic School St. Pius X Catholic School St. Vincent De Paul Catholic School Trinity Lutheran Montgomery County Alabama Christian Academy Bethany Christian Academy Canterbury High School Churchill Academy Holy Cross Episcopal School Hooper Academy Lighthouse Christian Academy Macon East Academy Montgomery Adventist School Montgomery County cont d Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Resurrection Catholic School The Rock School South Montgomery County Academy Success Unlimited Academy Sylvan Learning Center Montgomery Talent Education Art Christian Academy Trinity Presbyterian School Valiant Cross Academy Morgan County Bethel Baptist School Decatur Heritage Christian Academy Perry County Marion Academy Pike County New Life Christian Academy Shelby County Briarwood Christian School Kingwood Christian School St. Clair County Bible Methodist Christian School Victory Christian School Sumter County UWA Campus School Tallapoosa County Lyman Ward Military Academy Tuscaloosa County American Christian Academy Holy Spirit Catholic School The Capitol School Riverwood Classical School Tuscaloosa Christian School Walker County Sumiton Christian School

8 2017 Alabama Failing Schools By law Alabama gives priority to students zoned to failing public schools which are the lowest performing six percent of public schools in Alabama. Barbour County Barbour County High School Bibb County West Blocton High School Calhoun County Anniston High School Bullock County Bullock County High School Chambers County Lafayette High School Lanett Junior High School Conecuh County Hillcrest High School Dallas County Keith Middle-High School R. B. Hudson Middle School Southside High School Selma High School Dekalb County Crossville High School Escambia County Escambia County High School Greene County Greene County High School Robert Brown Middle School Hale County Greensboro High School Jefferson County Bessemer City High School Geroge Washington Carver High School Hayes K-8 Hemphill Elementary School Huffman High School-Magnet Jackson-Olin High School Parker High School Jefferson County cont d Smith Middle School South Hampton K-8 Arrington Middle School Washington Elementary School Jones Valley Middle School Wenonah High School Woodlawn High School-Magnet Fairfield High Preparatory School Center Point High School McAdory High School Minor High School Pinson Valley High School Pleasant Grove High School Midfield High School Lowndes County Calhoun High School Central High School Fort Deposit Elementary School Macon County Booker T WashingtonHigh DC Wolfe School Madison County Columbia High School Lee High School Marengo County George P. Austin Junior High School Linden Elementary School Linden High School Mobile County Ben C Rain High School Booker T Washington Middle School Mattie T Blount High School C.L. Scarborough Model Middle School Theodore High School John L Leflore Magnet School C.F. Vigor High School Lillie B. Williamson High School Monroe County Monroe County High School Montgomery County Bellingrath Middle School Capitol Heights Middle School Carver Senior High School Chisholm Elementary School Fews Secondary Acceleration Academy Jefferson Davis High School Johnson Elementary School Lanier Senior High School Lee High School Southlawn Middle School Perry County Francis Marion School Robert C. Hatch High School Sumter County Sumter Central High School Tuscaloosa County Central High School University Place Middle School Washington County McIntosh High School Wilcox County Camden School of Arts and Technology Wilcox Central High School

9 Receive your tax credit today! Alabama tax payers can donate up to 50% of their Alabama income tax liability to AOSF for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Individual donations are capped at $50,000. Individuals who are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) should contact their tax professional regarding other benefits. "C" corporations can offset up to 50% of the corporation's Alabama income tax liability. "S" corporations, partnerships, and LLCs can donate to AOSF. A credit claimed by one of these types of entities is passed through to its owners and the applicable credit limitations apply at the ownership level. Donations are eligible for a charitable contribution deduction on Federal returns. Credits may be carried forward up to three years. By following the steps in this guide, you can support hundreds of children who want a Catholic education. If you have any questions, please contact Bri Jackson at or by at bjackson@alabamascholarshipfund.org. Nick West McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Graduate and AOSF Student Nick West is one of five boys being raised by their mother, Alleane. She works hard to make sure that none of her sons became a statistic. AOSF scholarships for three of her sons have helped them succeed. In 2016, Nick graduated top of his class and was voted most likely to succeed. He now attends The University of Alabama in Huntsville on a full academic scholarship and plans to become an FBI cyber field agent. He was recently contacted by a local FBI agent who is now his mentor. I don t think you can underestimate the importance of a good education. It s the thing that brings jobs to the area that translates to future economic benefit for our community. Why would you not want to do something like that in your own community when it helps the kids, helps the future. -Page Stalcup, CPA

10 FIRST Create a MAT account on the ADOR website 1 You will need your social security number and your Alabama Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for previous year s tax return. Federal AGI will not work. 2 the Sign up here link below the "Sign in" button (see image below). Go to myalabamataxes.alabama.gov. On the MAT home page, click

11 3 From drop down box, scroll down to choose Individual Income Tax, and add your social security number and your previous year s Alabama AGI. 4 Choose a username, password, secret question, and secret answer (see below).

12 5 Enter your personal contact information. 6 Determine whether or not to allow others to access your account.

13 7 Print this screen or write this information down. Then, log on to the ADOR website and check your account. 8 You will receive an similar to the one below with an Authorization Code that you will use the first time you log into the MAT system. This completes the ADOR MAT registration process.

14 NEXT Reserve your donation to the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund and receive your Alabama tax credit. 1 Estimate your current tax year liability. Individuals may reserve up to 50% of their estimated income tax liability capped at $50,000. Companies may reserve up to 50% of their estimated income tax liability with no cap. Return to the myalabamataxes.alabama.gov website. 2 side (see below). On the MAT home page, click My Alabama Taxes on the upper left

15 3 Sign in with your newly created username and password. You will be prompted to enter the Authorization Code sent to your account. 4 Once you are signed in, click on Report a Donation to an SGO.

16 5 Enter your personal information and select Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund from the drop down list. Enter the exact dollar amount of your donation and submit. 6 Finally, print your confirmation and mail your check the same day. CHECKS PAYABLE: MAIL TO: Alabama Opportunity Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund Scholarship Fund P.O. Box Birmingham, AL Checks must be for the same amount as the donation amount entered on MAT. TAX RECEIPTS: Once AOSF receives your check, we will verify your tax credit and send you a receipt. The Department of Revenue will send you a separate Alabama Tax Credit Receipt, which you can access through your MAT account s message folder.

17 Thank you for partnering with AOSF. Our teachers are willing to make an extra effort if students are behind academically to catch them up to where they need to be. Once they close that gap, they are just as successful as our students that are already here. These kids are going to be the leaders and the business people. If they're not here and not receiving a great education, then what's going to happen to our community as a whole?" - Mona Padgett, Principal Conecuh Springs Christian Academy Frequently Asked Questions Q: What happens if I overestimate my tax liability and pay more than 50% of my actual liability? A: You can carry your credits forward up to three years in the future. Q: Can I direct my funds to a school or student? A: The law does not allow for donor designation. If you have any questions, please contact Bri Jackson at or by at bjackson@alabamascholarshipfund.org.

18 ALABAMA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND Bri Jackson Director of Development P.O. Box Birmingham, AL CREATING BRIGHTER FUTURES.