New this year is a great opportunity to support Helena Public Schools and the great things we are doing to enhance the experiences and opportunities for each student. The 2021 Legislature authorized enhanced tax credit opportunities for Montanans to support their local public schools through HB 279.

Beginning January 3, 2022, you can make cash donations directly to Helena Public Schools and get a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your state tax bill starting in 2022. This means you can help us expand our innovative educational programs that benefit our students through enhanced:

• Transformational and advanced learning opportunities
• Programs, services and equipment for students with disabilities
• Work-based learning partnerships
• Post-secondary credit and career certifications
• Technologies that improve student experiences and opportunities

Make Your Donation Early

Time is critical to earn this dollar-for-dollar tax credit, which is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Here are some important caps to be aware of:

• Individuals or corporations can donate up to $200,000 per year for innovative educational programs.
• The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be claimed statewide in 2022 is $1 million.

How it Works

Helena Public Schools is registered on the Montana Department of Revenue’s (DOR) Education Donations Portal. When you make your donation, let us know in writing that it is for “innovative educational programs.”

You will need to provide the following information:

• Your name
• The last four digits of your Social Security Number of Employer Identification Number
• Your mailing address
• Your physical address
• Your email address

The district will enter this information together with the amount donated in the DOR Education Donations Portal. Once the district records the donation in the DOR Education Donation Portal, the DOR will pre-approve the donation (so long as the individual and statewide thresholds noted above have not been exceeded), and you will receive a confirmation number and receipt that you will include when you file your 2022 taxes.

The statewide aggregate threshold of $1 million is tracked on the DOR Education Donation Portal homepage. You will be able to view how much of the credit has been reserved, how much is available, and how much is pending.

With questions, please contact Business Services Administrator Janelle Mickelson at jmickelson@helenaschools.org or at 406-324-2040 or Dona Losett, MT DOR, 406-444-1991 or dona.losett@mt.gov.