Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Credit Supports Hope Scholarship
Partners for Hope
The Hope Scholarship, established in 2018, merged into the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) which broadens the scope and impact of automotive sales tax donations by allowing donors to fund tuition and fees at private schools, transportation costs to a public school other than the one assigned, or customized education at home. As a result of the merger, more students are gaining access to the best learning environment for their needs.
Vehicle purchasers can designate up to $105 of their sales tax to support the scholarship in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, incurring no additional cost to the purchaser. Contributions are collected by dealerships, county tax collectors, and tag agencies and remitted to Step Up For Students. As a dealer, county tax collector, or tag agency, you are required to provide consumers with the FTC Scholarship Program Contribution form
How does the FTC Scholarship
Contribution Process Work?
Download Contribution Election FormCollect eligible contributions, up to $105 of the required state sales tax.
Contributions must be made by the 20th of every month through the secure online payment portal along with a copy of the Hope Scholarship Program – Dealer Contribution Collection Report.
Click here for detailed instructions on making eBill Payments.
Electronic payments are preferred, however checks can also be mailed to: Step Up For Students, ATTN: Hope Processing, PO Box 645707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45264-5707.
The fastest and easiest way to report contributions is to complete the Hope Scholarship Program - Dealer Contribution Collection Report is online . You may also report by submitting a copy of the Hope Scholarship Program – Dealer Collection Report.
The total amount of tax due reported on the tax return for vehicle sales or registrations must include the total state sales tax due before deducting the contribution of state sales tax to the Hope Scholarship Program. Refer to DOR TIP #18A01-16 for more information.
To provide enhanced security and more convenient contributions, the FTC Scholarship online payment portal is available for your use.
The upgraded Hope eBill Payment Portal includes the option to remit tax election contributions at the last minute and still have payments make it on time to remain compliant with state law.
Please note: If your bank account has a fraud prevention service, please add Company ID F593649371 to your approved list – before making a payment.
Your gift will change a student's life
FTC Scholarship Information for Vehicle Purchasers
When you purchase a new or used vehicle in Florida, you have a unique opportunity to help Florida students who have experienced bullying or harassment at school find a better education environment.
You can opt to contribute up to $105 to the Step Up For Students Hope Scholarship and receive a dollar-for-dollar deduction from your sales tax liability. Your vehicle dealer will take the contribution from your payment and manage the reporting. All you need to do is say yes. If you purchase outside of a dealership, you can work with the tax collector’s office to support the FTC Scholarship at no cost to you.
The FTC Scholarship provides students in grades K-12 private school tuition assistance, cover the costs of traveling to a different public school, and now also students who have been subjected to assault, harassment, hazing, bullying, kidnapping, physical attack, robbery, sexual offenses, threats or intimidation, or fighting at school. With these scholarship funds, students can refocus on their education.