Taxpayers have a whole new option when their state income tax bill arrives this year. They can, as always, just write a check to the State of Montana for the whole amount of the bill. Money collected by the state will be directed to projects across all 52 counties based upon priorities set by the Montana legislature.
Or, the taxpayer can choose to prioritize up to $300.00 of these dollars to go directly toward enhancing education opportunities with $150.00 max going toward their local region public schools and $150.00 going towards a scholarship organization that supports private schools. The taxpayer could also choose to support just the public side or the private side. Dollars directed towards education in this manner will result in a direct offsetting reduction of the taxpayer's state income tax obligation. For those that would like to ensure more of their tax dollars are directed toward education, this 100% tax credit is a powerful option. Our local area is the rural schools in Region 5, however this is available statewide.
The Large Schools (AA) such as Great Falls and Helena are in their own pool, thus local rural taxpayers that chose the public-school option will direct their tax credit to be shared by rural schools across their region. It is our hope that many taxpayers from across the region choose to self-direct their dollars toward educating our youth. Ask your accountant when doing your taxes.