College Access Tax Credit Fund
Designed to provide a tax credit to taxpayers and businesses who contribute to the State’s Cal Grants financial aid program.
Contact Information
For assistance with tax questions, please contact the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) through FTB’s website or call 800-852-5711.
For assistance with the application or payment of contributions, please contact the California Educational Facilities Authority at (916) 654-5711 – please note this phone number is currently unavailable – please call (916) 653-2799 for assistance.
Quick Links
Did You Know?
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2880 in September 2022 which extended the College Access Tax Credit Fund until taxable year 2027.
Connect With Us
The College Access Tax Credit Fund provides a tax credit to taxpayers and businesses who contribute to Cal Grants, the State of California’s largest source of educational financial aid. The credit can be used to offset or reduce taxes.
Cal Grants provide aid to in need California undergraduates, vocational training students and those in teacher certification programs. These grants help California students achieve their higher education goals.
The California Educational Facilities Authority (CEFA) is required to allocate and certify up to $500 million in College Access Tax Credits for the years 2014 through 2027.
For Tax Credit Seekers
Please note: As we work to further protect the health of our community in response to COVID-19, the processing of applications may be delayed for the foreseeable future. Specifically, delays may occur for the mailing of Notices of Allocation Reservation and Contribution Submittal Forms. Please be assured that your business is important to us and that we will strive to process your applications in a timely manner.
Application period is open until January 2, 2024, 5 p.m.
- Tax Credit Application Form (on-line version)
- Tax Credit Application Form (Fillable PDF In Progress)
- Privacy Notice
Online Payment
- ACH Online Payment – Pay Contribution using Personal Checking/Saving Accounts or Corporate Bank Account via online payment service
Please note – Use of online payment service is only available after CEFA confirms tax credits availability and a Notice of Allocation Reservation is sent to the taxpayer within 10 days from CEFA’s receipt of the Application.
Tax Credits Allocated
2022 Taxable Year
$591,708
2021 Taxable Year
$591,708
2020 Taxable Year
$479,875
2019 Taxable Year
$404,771
2018 Taxable Year
$4,977,085
2017 Taxable Year
$3,206,604
2016 Taxable Year
$5,369,369
2015 Taxable Year
$8,231,253
2014 Taxable Year
$3,751,393
Application Period
The application period for the 2023 taxable year is open.
The amount of the tax credit based on the percentage of the contribution, will be 50%.
Available Tax Credits for Taxable Year 2023 is $489,000,000.