ECCA in Maine
Maine has not yet announced a decision on the federal scholarship tax credit program. Also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), the program was enacted as IRC §25F and takes effect January 1, 2027.
- Governor
- Janet Mills
- Democrat
- Status
- No decision yet
- Program begins
- January 1, 2027
- Federal tax credit live
What's at stake for Maine
Governor Janet Mills has not yet announced a decision on whether Maine will opt in to the federal Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). The program goes live on January 1, 2027, and governors must submit a list of qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 of each participating year.
If Maine opts in, families across the state will be eligible for scholarships funded through the program, and federal tax dollars contributed by Maine donors will stay in Maine communities. If Maine does not opt in, donors here can still claim the federal tax credit by giving to SGOs in other states — but those scholarships will go to students elsewhere.
Maine residents, parents, educators, and taxpayers can let Governor Janet Mills know they want Maine to participate. The decision is annual: even if a governor declines initially, future years remain open.
Frequently asked questions about ECCA in Maine
Does Maine participate in ECCA?
Not yet decided. Governor Janet Mills has not announced a decision. Governors can opt in by submitting a list of qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 of each year.
Who is the governor of Maine and what is their position on ECCA?
Governor Janet Mills (Democrat) has not yet announced a decision.
Can Maine residents donate to an SGO and claim the federal tax credit?
Beginning January 1, 2027, any U.S. taxpayer can claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 per tax return for donations to a qualifying Scholarship Granting Organization, regardless of the state they live in. Because Maine has not yet opted in, donations from Maine residents would need to go to SGOs in opted-in states — funding scholarships for students in those states rather than in Maine.
When does the ECCA program begin?
The Educational Choice for Children Act program begins on January 1, 2027. Donations made on or after that date are eligible for the federal tax credit. Each participating state's governor must submit a list of qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 of each participating year.
Other states with the same status
States that have also no decision yet.
Learn more about ECCA
In-depth guides on how the program works, who qualifies, and how to participate.
- What is ECCA / FSTC?A complete guide to the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax …
- The federal tax credit, explainedHow the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), also known as the ECCA §25F credit, works for donors: $1,700 pe…
- Scholarship eligibilityWhich K–12 students qualify for ECCA scholarships, the income limits, what schools and educational expenses ar…
- Scholarship Granting OrganizationsWhat an SGO is, how organizations get designated by their state, the 90/10 rule, what compliance looks like, a…
- How states opt inHow a state opts in to the federal ECCA scholarship program: the governor's annual Treasury submission, legisl…
- ECCA for special-needs familiesHow families of K–12 students with disabilities can use ECCA scholarships to fund therapies, specialized instr…
Make your voice heard in Maine
Contact Governor Janet Mills and let them know that Maine families want access to ECCA scholarships when the program begins January 2027.
Contact Governor Mills →