Deadline Nears for Hospital Tax Credit

November 1 is the deadline for taxpayers to apply to make a charitable contribution to Jasper Health Services, Inc. and receive a 2017 Georgia income tax credit of up to 90 percent of their contribution.

“This is an opportunity for the citizens of Monticello, Jasper County and surrounding area to assure their taxes can be best utilized by the funds staying in our community and continue to deliver quality healthcare for local people,” said Jan Gaston, Administrator.

There are several opportunities to make donations for the rural hospital tax credit in 2017 if you pay Georgia income taxes. Examples are as follows:

•Individual Single – 90 percent of the amount contributed or $5,000 per tax year maximum, whichever is less.

•Married Filing Jointly – 90 percent of the amount contributed or $10,000, whichever is less.

•C-Corporation or Trust – 90 percent of the amount contributed or 75 percent of your Georgia income tax liability, whichever is less.

Taxpayers who itemize may also receive a federal charitable income tax deduction applicable to their tax return.

“We are grateful and appreciative that the Georgia legislature recognizes the importance of rural hospitals” said Mrs. Gaston.

Potential donors can sign up to get pre-approved for the tax credit by completing and submitting the 2017 HEART Tax Credit Form at www.georgiaheart.org (http://www.georgiaheart.org).

Email the form to heart@georgiaheart.org or mail a completed copy of the form to: Georgia HEART at 3740 Davinci Court, Suite 375, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092.

Georgia HEART will take care of the rest, submitting the tax credit pre-approval request to the Department of Revenue, notifying taxpayers of approval and payment deadline, and— once they contribute—providing them with their taxpayer reporting instructions.

Jasper Health Services, Inc. is one of 40 rural hospitals participating in the Georgia HEART Hospital Program who provides assistance in marketing and state reporting requirements.

The legislature has approved the rural hospital tax credit for three years through calendar year 2019. There is $60 million pool of credits, with each rural hospital having access to up to $4 million of credits each year until the annual $60 million cap is reached.

Anyone who has questions or needs assistance regarding the Georgia Rural Hospital Expense Tax Credit program may call Jasper Health Services, Inc. at 706-468-4516.