Motor Vehicles Sales Tax Credit Supports The Florida Tax Credit 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 vehicle purchasers and registrants to help 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 and registrants 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 & Registrants
When Floridians purchase or register a vehicle, they have a simple, cost-free way to help expand educational opportunities for students across the state. Through the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program, an eligible purchaser or registrant can choose to direct $105 out of the state sales tax they already owe toward scholarships for Florida students.
Contributions support K–12 scholarships administered through the FTC Scholarship Program. Funds may be used for a range of approved educational expenses, and the program is designed to expand access to educational options for Florida students, giving families the ability to choose the learning environment that works best for their child. These scholarships can help families pay for private school tuition, personalized education, tutoring, instructional materials, and transportation to an out-of-district public school.
Florida auto dealers, county tax collectors, and private tag agencies help make this opportunity possible by presenting customers with the tax credit contribution election form during the purchase process or when registering a qualifying vehicle.
