Reeves opts state into Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program
JACKSON, Miss. – Gov. Tate Reeves announced Monday that Mississippi will participate in the new Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program, a move he says will significantly expand school choice options for families beginning in federal tax year 2027.
Reeves framed the decision as part of Mississippi’s ongoing effort to empower parents and strengthen educational outcomes statewide. “Mississippi believes that parents – not government – know what’s best for their children’s education,” Reeves said. “The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program will help Mississippi continue its historic performance in classrooms across the state and further empower parents to do what’s best for their children. Thank you to President Trump and his administration for continuing to put parents and students first.”
The program was created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. It offers a dollar‑for‑dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for eligible taxpayers who donate to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Those donations must be used to fund scholarships for K–12 students whose household income is below 300 percent of the area median income.
Because taxpayers can donate up to $1,700 and receive the full amount back through the federal tax credit, Reeves said the program enables residents to support students “at no cost to themselves.”
In the coming months, the Governor’s Office will begin designating eligible SGOs that will participate in the program and distribute scholarships to Mississippi families.
