This information is to update you about a potential tax savings that was created by the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 (The Act). New amendments make the Act even more attractive for 2015 by increasing the available credit limit to $30,000,000 and allowing pass-through entities to participate in the AAA credit program beginning this tax year.
As a result of the Act, Alabama taxpayers can receive a nonrefundable State of Alabama income tax credit of up $50,000 (up from $7,500 in prior years) that can offset up to 50% of their state tax liability for the year by making a cash donation to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). The SGOs were created to provide scholarships that allow low income students in failing schools to transfer to a non-failing public school or qualified private school on the approved list. Pass-through entities can now make qualifying donations to SGOs at the entity level on behalf of their members/shareholders, with the related AAA tax credits passing through to the members/shareholders to use on their individual Alabama income tax returns. The $50,000 individual AAA credit can be used to offset up to ½ of your current year’s tax liability as shown on the 2015 Alabama income tax return. This means a taxpayer with a liability of $100,000 could use the entire individual cap of $50,000, thus reducing their Alabama tax liability to $50,000. Any excess AAA credits left over can be carried forward for three years. The AAA credit can be used in determining Alabama estimated tax payments due in the year of donation. The program works like this: you write a check to the SGO and receive an equal allotted tax credit on your Alabama tax return for the contribution. The credit is treated as a charitable contribution on your federal tax return but not your Alabama return where it’s treated as a tax credit. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a listing of Scholarship Granting Organizations as of April 10, 2015.
There are other potential savings that come from the interplay of the AAA credit and its effect on your income tax preference for AMT purposes. Alabama income taxes paid are reduced by the credit for the contribution, which in turn reduces the income tax preference for AMT purposes while still allowing the contribution to qualify as a federal charitable deduction. Those who qualify for the full $50,000 state tax reduction can reduce their AMT income by the same amount and the additional savings can approximate $13,300.
The $30,000,000 annual contribution limit to SGOs is statewide. Once the limit is reached, no further contributions will be considered for the tax credit. The limit is based on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in making this contribution to receive the credit, you must do it before the credit limit has been reached and before the end of the year. The cash donation must be made on or prior to obtaining your allocated portion of the $30,000,000. As of November 22, 2015, the remaining available contribution limit was $13,000,000. To reserve an Alabama credit, go to the Alabama Department of Revenue’s online portal at www.revenue.alabama.gov.
Click here for a step by step walk through of the set up process. If you need assistance with the registration process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you through the process.
It’s important to let us know if you are planning to make this contribution for tax planning purposes, especially if you are subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT). For example, if you make quarterly estimates you may want to consider reducing your final Alabama estimate or possibly the withholdings from your wages as a result of the contribution. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you and if you should have any questions regarding this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Name of Organization
Address
Phone
501(c)(3) Status
County
AAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
103 North Memorial Drive, Suite 307, Prattville, AL 36067
888-707-2465
verified
Autauga
Chambers County Educational Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 174, Lafayette, AL 36862
334-864-9852
verified
Chambers
Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund
PO Box 59188, Birmingham, AL 35259
205-206-7801
verified
Jefferson
Beacons of Hope, Inc.
PO Box 12047, Birmingham, AL 35205
205-833-0173
verified
Jefferson
Scholarships for Kids, Inc.
PO Box 10204, Birmingham, AL 35202
205-445-2908
verified
Jefferson
Foundation for Educational Progress
1699 Old Dry Creek Road
256-837-5266
verified
Madison
Rocket City Scholarship Granting Organization, Inc.
PO Box 99, Huntsville, AL 35763
256-369-3927
verified
Madison
Montessori Society of Huntsville
15975 Chaney Thompson Road, Huntsville, AL 35803
256-881-3790
verified
Madison
One Hundred Black Men of Greater Mobile, Inc.
PO Box 40507 Mobile, AL 36604
351-405-3790
verified
Mobile