US taxpayers could claim up to $3,400 in federal tax credits in 2027, but married couples must meet a key requirement to receive the full amount. Under the new Education Freedom Tax Credit, eligible individuals may claim a non-refundable federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying cash donations to eligible scholarship-granting organisations. Married couples filing jointly could claim up to $3,400, provided each spouse makes sufficient qualifying contributions.
The programme is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027, following proposed regulations issued by the US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on 1 October 2026. It aims to encourage private donations that fund scholarships for eligible elementary and secondary school students. The credit is not an automatic government payment to families. Taxpayers must make qualifying contributions to eligible organisations and meet the programme's requirements.
