A program which provides Georgia taxpayers with a 100 percent state tax credit for contributing to rural hospitals could soon max out for the year.
Time may be running out for Georgia taxpayers wanting to contribute to the rural hospitals of their choice. Taxpayers receive 100 percent state tax credit for those contributions, through the Georgia HEART program, but the program is expected to reach the legal maximum of $60 million on or around July 1st. Mark Ralston is Public Relations Manager with St. Mary’s Healthcare System.
“The money that is given to the hospital is used by that hospital to augment care, to provide emergency services,” according to Ralston. “It’s particularly helpful in rural areas where many hospitals are struggling and the funds can help them stay afloat and to thrive.”
Ralston says the donations can also be claimed on itemized federal tax returns as charitable deductions.
St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia and St. Mary’s Good Samaritan in Greensboro qualify under the program. St. Mary’s is an underwriter with WUGA.
