Does North Carolina take part in the federal credit?

Yes. Opted in June 3, 2026 (By legislative override). Families here can get scholarships when the program starts on January 1, 2027.

Who decided for North Carolina?

Governor Josh Stein vetoed the opt-in, and the legislature overrode the veto.

Can people in North Carolina donate and claim the credit?

Yes. Any US taxpayer can claim up to $1,700 against federal income tax for a donation to a qualifying scholarship granting organization, starting January 1, 2027.

January 1, 2027. Donations made on or after that date count toward the credit.

The federal scholarship credit in North Carolina

What it means for families in North Carolina

K-12 students who live in North Carolina can get a federal scholarship toward tuition and fees once the program starts. Household income has to be at or below 300% of your area's median, and foster children qualify automatically.

Scholarships are paid to a partner school, so the first step is finding out whether your child's school takes part. If it doesn't yet, recommend it and we'll reach out.

Check eligibility How to apply

What it means for donors in North Carolina

Any US taxpayer can donate and claim up to $1,700 against federal income tax, dollar for dollar, starting January 1, 2027. When you donate to CEN SGO, you choose the partner school your donation supports.

Estimate your credit The donor guide

For schools in North Carolina

Families only get scholarships through a partner school, so schools come first. Registering with CEN SGO costs nothing. It's one agreement, and CEN handles donor receipts, income checks, awards, payments and reporting.

Schools that register before donations open on January 1, 2027 can run a pledge campaign with their parents first.

North Carolina at a glance

North Carolina has opted in to the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, so families here can get scholarships when the program starts on January 1, 2027.

See where every state stands

June 3, 2026
Opted in · By legislative override: Josh Stein
Governor, vetoed the opt-in: January 1, 2027
The federal credit goes live: $1,700
The most a donor can claim each year

Official sources

Key dates

Every date in one place

June 3, 2026
North Carolina opted in (By legislative override)
Fall 2026
States open certification for scholarship granting organizations
Next
January 1, 2027
The first day a donation earns the federal credit
December 31, 2027
The last day to donate for the 2027 return
Early 2028
The IRS form comes out and 2027 returns are filed

Questions

Questions about North Carolina

Short answers for families and donors in North Carolina. Every other question is on the FAQ page.

Does North Carolina take part in the federal credit?
Yes. Opted in June 3, 2026 (By legislative override). Families here can get scholarships when the program starts on January 1, 2027.
Who decided for North Carolina?
Governor Josh Stein vetoed the opt-in, and the legislature overrode the veto.
Can people in North Carolina donate and claim the credit?
Yes. Any US taxpayer can claim up to $1,700 against federal income tax for a donation to a qualifying scholarship granting organization, starting January 1, 2027.
When does it start?
January 1, 2027. Donations made on or after that date count toward the credit.

Keep reading

Guides for families and donors

Other states that have opted in

Families in every opted-in state can get scholarships when the program starts. Each state has its own page.

All 50 states and DC

Is your child's school in North Carolina?

Recommend it and we'll reach out to the school about taking part. It takes a minute.