FAQ: Donors

How do I participate in the program?

It’s easy. All you have to do is either complete our easy paperless process or complete the Apogee Form, and Apogee will submit the paperwork on your behalf. Apogee will receive your approval notice within 30 days. Once the approval notice is received, send your payment by check or pay online within 60 days of your approval date.

Is there a limit to how much I can give each year?

Yes, the amount you can give is limited by your tax filing status:
·  Married Filing Jointly: Maximum of $5,000
·  Individual Filer: Maximum of $2.500
·  Married Filing Separately: Maximum of $2,500

·  Individuals who receive pass-through income can contribute up to $25k

• S-Corps who elect to fund their GA tax liability at the entity level (starting in 2022):  Up to 75% of GA tax liabilit
• C-Corporation: Up to 75% of GA tax liability

Can I direct my contribution to help a specific student?

Apogee does not accept donations specifically requesting an individual as a recipient. Donors would lose their ability to receive a charitable contribution, as well as the Georgia tax credit. Most importantly, Apogee is a 501c3 non-profit organization and is bound first and foremost by the rules and regulations governing this special status. As a 501c3, Apogee is not permitted to accept any donations directed to a specific individual. By doing so, Apogee would be putting its non-profit status in jeopardy and in turn, its SSO status in jeopardy.

Who or what is Apogee?

Apogee Scholarship Fund is state registered SSO (Student Scholarship Organization) as well as a 501c3 non-profit organization whose primary functions are to facilitate the process of distributing tax credits in exchange for donations and to disburse those funds for private school tuition scholarships. “Apogee” (ap-uh-jee) is defined as the highest point (typically of an arc). To this end, we strive to help children reach their highest educational potential.

How do I know what my GA tax liability is?

Your GA tax liability is typically 5.75% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). You can also look at Line 18 of your GA tax return (Form 500) to learn your GA tax liability.

Why should I submit my application now?

The State has placed a yearly cap on the amount of credit available at $120 million. That means that every school, tax payer, and corporation in GA is drawing from the same exact pool of credits. Once the funds are used up, you will have to wait until next year to participate in the program. Once funds are deposited, they are immediately available to help families seeking an educational choice for their children.  The yearly cap has more recently not been met on the first day of the year as in year’s past but the cap has been exhausted much more quickly each year since the raising of the cap.  

Can I reduce my quarterly estimated tax payments by the amount I donate?

Yes. Your estimated payments are only an estimate of your total tax liability divided into four payments. This is a great opportunity to write the check to support education instead of paying that portion of estimated taxes. Ask your accountant to reduce your quarterly estimated tax payment by the amount of your contribution. This will reduce each of your quarterly payments by 25% of the amount you intend to contribute.

What happens if my donation exceeds my tax liability?

The tax credit is a “non-refundable” credit. What that means is that you cannot receive a refund for any more than your GA tax liability. Any excess credit beyond your tax liability can be carried forward for up to 5 years.  

What happens when I submit my application to Apogee?

Once received, Apogee will preverify your information to ensure everything matches up within the State system.  Apogee will submit your applicaiton to the DOR on the first available day in the new tax year.  Within 20 days of submission, the DOR will mail you a letter indicating your pre-approved tax credit amount.  You will have 60 days from this date to fund your credit through Apogee.  Apogee will mail you a tax credit receipt to acknowledge your successful participation in the summer of the tax year you funded your tax credit. 

Why should I submit my information to Apogee instead of directly to the DOR?

You are welcome to submit your tax credit request directly to the State; via your GTC online account; however, Apogee always recommends that you submit your form to us for processing. Apogee has developed efficient and effective processes to ensure that the forms are submitted in a timely manner and that the DOR is held accountable for each application that is submitted. With Apogee managing the process, we are able to ensure your paperwork is properly completed and that your paperwork is moving through the process in a timely manner. We have processed tens of thousands of applications with the DOR and have found this to be the very best method of ensuring that applicants get through the approval process successfully.

Do I have to include my check with my donation package when mailing to Apogee?

No.  Apogee cannot accept payments prior to January 1st and since the vast majority of applications we receive are early applications, payment should be made after approval has been secured.  Payment must be made within 60 days of approval. 

If I chose to submit my info directly to the DOR for approval, how do I notify Apogee of my approval and what is my next step?

Mail Apogee a copy of your approved notice, along with your check written out to “Apogee Scholarship Fund”. If you have a certain school you would like to direct your donation to, please write the school(s) in the memo line of your check. Please remember that you have 60 days form the approval date to submit your payment and the approval notice to Apogee.

Can I split my gift between 2 or more schools?

Yes. Please let us know the schools you would like to direct your donation to and the amount each school should receive and we will be more than happy to direct your funds accordingly.  On the onlien submission form, if you ar unable to locate your school on the drop down list, please select “School not found” and type in the name of the school you wish to support.

What happens if I give a donation to Apogee but I find out that my school is working with another SSO?

We will be happy to process your donation as any other and will pass the full balance of the funds to the correct SSO

What is Apogee’s Tax ID Number?

FEIN: 26-2693572

Is this donation a charitable deduction on my Federal return in addition to the credit?

For contributions made before August 27, 2018, yes. The law does require that you increase your State income by the amount of your Charitable Deduction on your Federal Return (donation amount).  For contributions made on or after August 27, 2018, the IRS adopted a ruling that eliminates the ability to take a Federal charitable contribution deduction when claiming the State tax credit. See https://www.apogee123.org/info/about/news for more information about these changes.    

Can Apogee help me understand how this credit will affect my specific tax situation?

Yes. Apogee is well versed in the specifics of how this credit affects most tax scenarios and is happy to offer guidance in how this credit is related to your specific tax situation. Of course, as always, please consult your tax advisor as they will have the best understanding of your specific tax situation.