Gov. Stitt celebrates launch of OK Parental Choice Tax Credit

Gov. Stitt is celebrating  (after a brief 'optics' faux pas over whether he'd be applying for his kids) what appears to be a succesful launch of the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program, with what appears to be enough applicants in the first 90 minutes to use up the entire first-year allocation of $150M. Under the current law, the credit will increase to $200M in 2025, and $250M in 2026. I expect that to change as it looks like this will be a popular program.

GOV. STITT CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF OK PARENTAL CHOICE TAX CREDIT

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 7, 2023) - Governor Kevin Stitt today celebrated the launch of the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program and revealed the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) received over 30,000 submissions within the first 90 minutes of launch. OTC, alongside its operational partner Merit, began accepting applications on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. CST. To date, approximately 140 accredited schools have been registered to participate.

"I'm elated that parents and students are taking advantage of the most transformative change to Oklahoma's education system in decades," said Governor Stitt. "School choice should be for everyone, not just the rich. What we've accomplished is a victory for students and a step towards true education freedom. It is amazing to see the demand for this program, and I hope the legislature will consider ways to allow more families to apply for this tax credit in the future. I applaud the team at the Oklahoma Tax Commission for a successful rollout, and I look forward to cheering on students as they enroll in a new era of educational excellence in our state."

Signed into law by Governor Stitt in May 2023, the Parental Choice Tax Credit program gives parents more control over how and where their children are educated. The program gives Oklahoma parents up to $7,500 per tax year for private school expenses, tuition and fees, and parents who homeschool their child qualify for a $1,000 tax credit.

Keisha Booth, an Oklahoma mom of four in Clinton, OK, praised the program: “As a single mother of four children, I can attest this program comes at a pivotal and crucial time for my family and our country. The oldest of my children is a senior in high school and the youngest will just be starting his education in August 2024. I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to put our tax dollars to great use while securing a promising education for my children.” 

The Oklahoma Tax Commission will give priority consideration to applicants with a household income under $150,000 Adjusted Gross Income and there are no fees to apply. To receive priority consideration, taxpayers must submit their applications on or before February 5, 2024.

Genifer Gifford, an Elk City, OK mother of five, is thrilled to have easy access to more education options: “I’m beyond grateful for the tax credit because it allows parents to choose schools that are a better fit for their child. I have some children in public schools, but this helps with having one child who has done much better in the private school setting. The process was self-explanatory and simple. I was able to complete the whole process in under 2 minutes."

Oklahoma taxpayers interested in the program can visit www.parentalchoice.ok.gov to explore participating schools and submit an application.