ETHO Tax Credit

Did you know that there’s a great way to financially support our mission to provide safety, healing, and stability for those escaping violence, without it costing you one extra penny?

Mississippians now have a powerful way to support survivors and strengthen their communities—all while receiving a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. Through the Eligible Transitional Home Organization (ETHO) Tax Credit Program, you or your business can make donations to our Center and use that gift to offset up to 50% of your Mississippi tax liability!

You’re already paying for your taxes, right? Now up to HALF of that payment can be directed to our program as a donation, and it counts just as if you’d paid it to the State. You’re able to keep more of your tax dollars local and see the direct impact of your contribution!

  • It’s a tax-smart investment in your community.
  • Every dollar you contribute to us through ETHO reduces your Mississippi state tax liability by the same amount.
  • This credit can be used to offset up to 50% of your Mississippi state income tax liability and can be carried forward for five years!

Only donations made to qualified organizations like GCCFN, approved through the Mississippi Department of Revenue, can be used for this tax credit. ETHO-approved charities provide temporary housing to homeless persons aged 25 and under, homeless families, or pregnant women, and assist them in moving to permanent housing.

BONUS: Your business can apply your ETHO donations to GCCFN toward a Corporate Sponsorship, and receive all the recognition and benefits of being a sponsor!

Make Your ETHO Donation
Step 1: PREPARE

Decide your contribution amount, and which tax you’d like to apply your credit to. You can apply ETHO credit to:

  • Income Tax (50% of tax liability)
  • Insurance Premium Tax (50% of tax liability)
  • Insurance Premium Retaliatory Tax (50% of tax liability)
  • Ad Valorem Tax (50% of real property tax liability)
Step 2: APPLY

Click this button to visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue portal

Begin Application

  • Select the “Apply for a Charitable Contribution Credit” link under the “Apply Online” section.
  • Select “ETHO” as the type of charitable contribution credit.
  • Fill out your business taxpayer information.
  • Select Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, contribution date and amount.
  • Submit the application; you should receive your confirmation number right away by email.
Step 3: RECEIVE CONFIRMATION

MDOR will send a letter confirming your approved credit allocation, usually within 30 days. You must make your donation within 60 days of the letter date (or by December 31st, whichever comes first) to retain your allocation.

Step 4: DONATE

Submit your donation to GCCFN, either online (click here or the donation button at the top of the page) or by check payable to Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence sent to P. O. Box 333, Biloxi, MS 39533. Please write “ETHO” in the memo or notes section. We will send you an official receipt letter on our letterhead showing the donation amount and date.

Step 5: SUBMIT
  • Return to the MDOR TAP Portal.
  • Click “Upload Requested Documentation” under the “Upload Documents” section.
  • Upload the letter we sent you (as a PDF, JPG, or PNG file).
  • Save your upload confirmation number for your records.
Step 6: RECEIVE CONFIRMATION

Within about 30 days of submitting your donation letter, MDOR will send you a final approval letter confirming receipt and the status of your credit. Keep this document for your tax records.

Step 7: CLAIM YOUR CREDIT

Claim the ETHO credit on your Mississippi tax return for the approved year. Non-corporate entities applying for credit toward ad valorem tax will receive a schedule from MDOR to provide to their County Tax Collector. Any unused credit may be carried forward for up to five consecutive years.

Contributions used for ETHO credits cannot be used for other state charitable credits and cannot be claimed as a deduction for state income tax purposes. Pass-through entities (LLCs, S Corps, partnerships) may allocate the credit among members or owners by written agreement. You can find more information about contribution types and limits here.

How you can help