Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)

Businesses that pay taxes in Pennsylvania are eligible to participate. In addition, businesses can receive federal tax benefits. In many cases the value of the federal deduction along with the state tax credit often exceeds the value of the gift.

However, not all businesses can claim this deduction, and not all may benefit from the tax credit, so it’s essential to consult with a tax advisor and program administrator before enrolling.

• Receive a Pennsylvania state income tax credit of up to 90% of their contribution
• Receive an ordinary and necessary business deduction for federal taxes, if eligible
• Or utilize the remaining 10% as a federal itemized deduction
• Directly support students participating in the Science Center’s FirstHand™ program
• EITC-eligible donations allow for low- or no-net-cost donations

Businesses are eligible if they pay Pennsylvania taxes; including but not limited to:

• Personal Income Tax (sub-chapter S-corporations and other “pass-through” entities will be eligible to use the credit against the shareholders’, members’, or partners’ PA personal income tax)
• Corporate Net Income Tax
• Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
• Insurance Premiums Tax
• Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax

Individuals – and those with whom they file jointly – can redirect their PA taxes to directly support the Science Center’s FirstHand™ STEM programming.

• Receive a Pennsylvania state income tax credit of up to 90% of your contribution.
• Receive a 10% federal itemized charitable deduction.
• Directly support the Science Center’s FirstHand™ Program.

Individuals are eligible if they pay Pennsylvania taxes and meet one of the following requirements:

• Have Pennsylvania-sourced income, meaning they must be employed by, a shareholder of, or a partner in or member of (i.e., own an interest in an LLC) a business that pays taxes in Pennsylvania. Employees of nonprofit organizations and government agencies are not eligible on their own, but may still be eligible if they file taxes jointly with an eligible person.
• Are current on all state and federal tax obligations.
• Make a commitment of $5,000 or more per year.

Commonly Asked Questions

• How do I enroll?
  • Donors connect with the Science Center and join a special purpose entity called Friends of Education, which grants access to tax credits and allows them to designate FirstHand as the beneficiary. Once enrolled, donors send their contribution to Friends of Education who ensure the donation reaches the Science Center.
• How does redirecting my taxes benefit FirstHand?
  • By directing tax dollars to our impactful programming, donors help expand access to quality STEM educational experiences and skills-based learning for Philadelphia students.
• What if I am married?
  • Only one eligible spouse should enroll; the tax credit applies to joint Pennsylvania tax liability, even if the other spouse is the primary earner.