The Education Freedom Tax Credit · Begins January 1, 2027
The new federal tax credit lets you redirect up to $1,700 of the taxes you already owe into scholarships for children at Jewish day schools and yeshivas — dollar for dollar, at no net cost to you.
A credit, not a deduction — every dollar you give comes straight off what you owe the IRS.
One fund, three doors
For Donors
Give to JEFA and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit up to $1,700 per year. Unused credit carries forward up to five years. Your money funds Torah education instead of sitting in the Treasury.
Learn about givingFor Families
Scholarships fund tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and special education services at Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Households earning up to 300% of area median income qualify — that covers most families.
See if you qualifyFor Schools
Partner with JEFA to bring federally credited scholarship dollars to your families — stabilizing tuition and strengthening enrollment. We handle compliance, receipting, and reporting.
Become a partner schoolHow it works
Contribute any amount up to $1,700 to the Jewish Education Fund of America, a registered 501(c)(3) Scholarship Granting Organization.
Take a 100% nonrefundable federal tax credit for the full amount when you file. If you can’t use it all this year, carry it forward for up to five years.
JEFA grants at least 90% of contributions directly to eligible K-12 students at Jewish day schools and yeshivas across the country.
The numbers
A deduction lowers your taxable income — worth a few hundred dollars at most. A credit lowers your tax bill itself. Owe $5,000 and claim a $1,700 credit? You now owe $3,300, and the full $1,700 funds a Jewish child’s education.
*Maximum annual credit per taxpayer under IRC §25F, signed into law July 4, 2025.
Questions
No. Every dollar you contribute to JEFA reduces your federal tax bill by exactly one dollar. You are choosing where up to $1,700 of your existing tax liability goes — to the IRS, or to Jewish education.
An SGO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accepts donations and uses at least 90% of its income to fund K-12 scholarships for eligible students. JEFA is a registered SGO dedicated to Orthodox Jewish children’s religious education.
Not for you to donate — any taxpayer nationwide can contribute to a qualified SGO in a participating state and claim the credit. For students in your state to receive scholarships, your state must opt in. As of early 2026, 23 states have done so, and the list is growing.
Absolutely. Contribute any amount up to $1,700 and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit for whatever you give. A $500 gift means $500 less in taxes owed and $500 toward a child’s Torah education.
Be first in line
Pre-register with JEFA today and we’ll make sure your contribution — and your credit — are locked in the moment the program opens.
