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A Strategic Advantage for Tax Professionals

Help Your Clients Give Smart and Save Big with CFEF

As a tax professional, your clients count on you to identify every opportunity to reduce liability, increase impact, and plan smarter. In Utah, one of the most powerful tools available — and still underutilized — is the Children First Education Fund (CFEF) tax credit donation.

CFEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Utah’s designated Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) under Utah Code §53E-7-4, supporting students with disabilities by funding private and homeschool education through scholarships. And here’s where it becomes a game-changing resource for your clients:

Every donation to CFEF qualifies for a 100% Utah state income tax credit.

That’s right — dollar-for-dollar, your client’s contribution directly offsets their state tax liability. It’s not a deduction, but a full credit — making this one of the most tax-efficient giving strategies available in Utah.

Why This Matters for Your Clients

Whether you advise high-net-worth individuals, small business owners, or corporations, this opportunity offers exceptional value:

  • No net cost: The tax credit means there is no out-of-pocket financial loss. It’s simply a redirection of taxes they’re already required to pay.
  • No minimums or limits per donor: Clients can donate any amount. The only restriction is the statewide credit cap ($13.48M in 2026), which is first-come, first-served.
  • Doesn’t conflict with federal charitable deductions: These donations stand independently of Schedule A strategies.
  • Customizable giving: Clients can direct donations toward specific schools that partner with CFEF, allowing personal impact alignment.

It’s ideal for year-end planning, tax strategy reviews, and socially motivated clients who want to do more — without paying more.

Why This Matters for Your Firm

Referring clients to CFEF isn’t just good for them — it’s a smart move for your practice, too.

  • Strengthen Client Relationships: Offering this lesser-known but high-impact strategy shows clients you’re ahead of the curve.
  • Boost Retention and Loyalty: Clients remember the advisor who helped them save money and make a difference.
  • Brand Alignment: You can join your clients by donating as a firm — positioning yourself as a community-forward, socially conscious practice.
  • Free Client Resources: CFEF provides donation receipts, tax credit certificates, and filing guidance to support your clients.

Simple Steps to Donate

CFEF makes the process easy for both individuals and businesses:

  1. Donate via check, ACH, credit card, or appreciated stock.
  2. CFEF issues a Tax Credit Certificate, reporting the donation to the Utah State Tax Commission.
  3. Client applies the credit to reduce their Utah income tax dollar-for-dollar.

To qualify for the current year, donations must be received and postmarked by December 31.

In Summary

By introducing clients to CFEF, you provide a zero-cost charitable giving strategy that makes a tangible difference in the lives of children with disabilities — while reinforcing your role as a strategic, trusted advisor.

Visit donor.cfe-fund.org/donate/ or email info@cfe-fund.org for tools you can share with clients.

Let’s help Utah families — and your clients — win this tax season.

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