Pennsylvania · Tax-Credit Scholarship

Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC): how to apply and use for tutoring

EITC started 2001; OSTC added 2012. Hundreds of approved SOs/OSOs — no single SGO; families must locate a participating one. New 2025-26 reporting requirements take effect.

Amount
2025-26 maximum: $8,500 per non-special-education student; $15,000 per special-education student. Actual award set by each Scholarship Organization based on need and donor funds.
Eligibility
Pennsylvania resident. 2025-26 income limit: $116,055 plus $20,428 per dependent. OSTC additionally requires the student lives within the boundary of a 'low-achieving' school (bottom 15% on PSSA/Keystone).
Program since
2001

How to apply

  1. Step 1
    Verify eligibility

    Check the current requirements on the official Pennsylvania state portal and confirm your child and family qualify for Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) for this school year. Rules can change from year to year.

  2. Step 2
    Gather documents

    Prepare proof of residency, birth certificate, academic records, and any program-specific documentation.

  3. Step 3
    Apply yourself and book with KOTY

    The parent or guardian submits the application via the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) state portal. KOTY provides the provider-side documentation (invoices, service descriptions, credentials) the program may request as part of your enrollment or reimbursement.

Talk to us about Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)

Tell us about your child's needs in Pennsylvania. We'll reply with next steps and the documentation the program may request.

The application to Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) is submitted by the parent or guardian. KOTY provides the provider documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) for online tutoring?

Yes. Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) funds cover online tutoring with certified providers. Kids on the Yard meets the program requirements and gives you the documentation you need for your application.

Does KOTY accept this program in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Kids on the Yard accepts all state education funding programs. We provide you with every document the program or the state may request (invoices, service descriptions, attendance records, provider credentials). The application and enrollment with the program are always submitted by the parent or guardian — talk to our educational team if you'd like more details on what documentation we provide.

When are the application deadlines?

No statewide parent application; families apply directly to individual approved Scholarship Organizations (SOs/OSOs). Deadlines vary by SO; many open in late winter/spring. Deadlines change frequently — always verify the latest dates on the official Pennsylvania state portal or the program's official site before submitting.

What subjects does the program cover?

Each program sets its own approved categories. KOTY rates are always priced within the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) allowed range.

Can I stack this program with others?

Some states allow stacking programs (e.g., ESA + additional scholarships). Stacking rules are state-specific and change over time — verify with the official portal before enrolling.

How does KOTY invoice families using Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)?

We know state-program approval and reimbursement can be complex. That's why we issue invoices in the cycles programs accept most smoothly — monthly, every two months, or quarterly — depending on what best fits your approval window. Each invoice includes the service description, hours, tutor credential, and the information programs typically require. If your program asks for a specific format, we adapt to it so your approval doesn't get delayed.

Do KOTY tutors meet the program's qualification requirements?

Yes. On request we provide the tutor's credentials, background-check confirmation, provider-of-record information, and any other documentation the program needs to validate the provider. If your program requires a specific certification, we confirm it up front so your enrollment goes through cleanly.

What happens if my program reimbursement is delayed?

Your child's sessions continue as scheduled. We work with many families on state programs and we know reimbursements sometimes lag — that's between you and the program, not between you and KOTY. If you need extra documentation or a different invoice format to speed up review, just ask and we'll generate it.

Can my child change subjects or frequency mid-year?

Yes. We adjust subjects, frequency, and hours across the school year. Updated invoices reflect the change so program review stays clean. Approval of any change that affects the program-funded amount is always granted by the program itself, not by KOTY.

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