Did you know that as an Ohio resident, you have the power to decide where a portion of your state tax dollars go? Thanks to the Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) tax credit, you can choose to support local Christian schools instead of sending all of those dollars to the state government. This tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your Ohio state income taxes—up to $750 per individual taxpayer or $1,500 if you're married (by each spouse individually taking the $750 credit)—when you contribute to scholarships through a certified SGO like the Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) SGO.
That means you can redirect your tax dollars to help fund scholarships for students in need at Christian schools across Ohio. Your gift doesn’t cost you anything extra—it simply allows you to choose whether your tax dollars support government spending or give a child access to Christian education.
Why Tax Credits Are More Powerful Than Deductions
It’s essential to understand the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction. A deduction lowers your taxable income, which only reduces your tax bill by the percentage of your tax rate. In contrast, a credit directly reduces the amount of taxes you owe—dollar for dollar.
Example: If you donate $750 to a qualified charity and you’re in the 25% tax bracket, a deduction saves you about $187.50 in taxes ($750 x 25%). But with the Ohio SGO tax credit, that same $750 donation reduces your Ohio tax bill by the full $750. That’s why this program is so powerful—it makes your donation essentially “free,” while giving you the ability to direct your dollars toward a cause you believe in.
Kage Rush, CPA of Whitaker-Myers Tax Advisors, explains it this way: “A tax credit is always more valuable than a deduction because it reduces your taxes dollar-for-dollar. With Ohio’s SGO program, you’re not only lowering your state tax bill—you’re also choosing to support Christian education directly. It’s one of the rare opportunities in tax planning where doing good and saving money align perfectly.”
Keep in mind, this tax credit is nonrefundable, so you need to ensure with your tax professional that you will at least owe, $750 or $1,500 (if married and both spouses claim the credit) in state income taxes. Otherwise, you would only want to give up to the amount of state income tax you owe.
Why School Choice Matters
School choice is about giving families—especially those with lower incomes—the freedom to select the education that best fits their child’s needs. Too often, a child’s educational opportunities are limited by their zip code or family income. The SGO tax credit helps level the playing field by making Christian education more affordable for families who would otherwise be unable to access it. By participating, you empower parents to make choices that reflect their values and provide their children with the best opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Derric Taylor, Accountant at Whitaker-Myers Tax Advisors, reflects on his own experience: “Christian education at Mansfield Christian School and Cedarville University played a foundational role in shaping who I am today. It provided me not only with a solid academic foundation but also with a biblical worldview that has guided my personal life and professional career. Supporting school choice means giving more students the same opportunity to grow academically and spiritually in an environment that points them to God.”
The Importance of a Christian Worldview
We live in a world where many of society’s struggles stem from a rejection of God and His authority. Without a foundation rooted in His truth, moral clarity can quickly fade. Christian schools provide not only strong academics, but also a worldview that points students to the Lord as the source of truth, hope, and purpose. Supporting Christian education means supporting the training of young men and women who will carry those values into their families, workplaces, and communities.
As Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School and host of the Clearly Christian podcast, reminds us:
"Students will adopt the worldview that's presented in front of them in the classroom. That's what they study. And after decades of instruction, that's devoid of any biblical truth."
You can explore more of Dr. Smith’s insights on shaping a biblical worldview through his podcast: Clearly Christian with Dr. Cy Smith.
How to Donate
Donating is simple and only takes a few minutes:
Go to OCEN’s Donation Portal.
Create an account (a quick and easy process).
Click “Donate Now” and fill out your personal information.
Select the Christian school(s) you would like to support.
Choose your payment method—either mail a check or pay online with a debit/credit card.
Submit your donation.
Through your account, you’ll be able to view past donations and download tax receipts. For tax credit purposes, OCEN SGO’s tax ID number is 31-1787824.
Partner With Whitaker-Myers Tax Advisors
At Whitaker-Myers Tax Advisors, we believe in making tax planning simple, effective, and meaningful. Our team can help you take advantage of this SGO credit and ensure it is correctly reflected on your tax return. We’ll guide you through the process so you can confidently know that your dollars are working for both your financial benefit and the future of Christian education.
By working with us, filing your taxes becomes more than a routine chore—it becomes a chance to make a lasting impact. Additionally, it helps our Financial Advisors better understand your situation, enabling them to provide more specific and impactful advice. Let us help you make the most of this incredible opportunity to lower your tax bill while investing in Ohio’s next generation.
Ohio Residents: You Have a Choice – Tax Dollars to God or Government?
August 31, 2025
John-Mark Young
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