You have to pay state taxes, and whether you’re taxed $50 or $400,000, an individual or a corporation, you should have a voice in how your tax dollars are used. Participants in the Georgia HEART (Helping Enhance Access to Rural Treatment) Hospital Program, such as Ameris Bank, have that option. Recently, representatives from the bank presented Southeast Georgia Health System with a $400,000 check to benefit the Camden Campus.

“Georgia is the only state in the nation which is afforded the opportunity to financially support its rural hospitals--at no cost to the taxpayers,” said J. Brad Danowski, City President, Ameris Bank. “We are very proud to support our local Health System and increase access to health care services in the communities our friends and families live in.”

Since 2020, Ameris Bank has donated $1,356,600 to the Health System’s Camden Campus through Georgia HEART. This year alone, the bank is donating more than $2 million to 15 rural hospitals across the state of Georgia.

Enacted by the Georgia General Assembly in 2016 to increase rural hospital funding, the Georgia HEART program gives individuals and businesses the unique opportunity to pay their state income taxes--an expenditure they are required to make any way--through contributions to qualified rural hospitals of their choice. In exchange, the taxpayer receives a 100% state income tax credit, up to specified limits. “C” Corporations and Pass-Through Entity business owners who participate may also qualify for an additional federal business expense deduction.

“We are very grateful for Ameris Bank’s contribution and our community’s participation in Georgia HEART. The support has been crucial in helping our hospital make important and necessary improvements so that we can offer the best care for our patients,” said Scott Raynes, MBA, M.A., President and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System.

Each hospital can use its Georgia HEART funds to make improvements based on the needs of its community. Raynes noted that past HEART contributions have allowed the Health System to add a new Wound Care Center, 3D mammography technology, and the ROSA robotic knee replacement system to the Camden Campus.

Taxpayers wishing to participate in the Georgia HEART program can follow these easy steps to sign up for the 100% tax credit:

Complete and submit your 2023 HEART Tax Credit Form at GeorgiaHeart.org (takes 2 minutes).
Georgia HEART will submit your tax credit pre-approval form on your behalf to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) in the order in which it is received.
After you receive DOR approval, submit your contribution via check made payable to Southeast Georgia Health System to Georgia HEART for deposit to the hospital’s account by the deadline (six months following DOR approval or December 15, 2023, whichever is soonest).
Georgia HEART will report your contribution to the DOR on your behalf and will send you a tax receipt.
You may reduce your tax withholdings or estimated tax payments to reflect the approved contribution.
Claim the credit when you file your 2023 tax return.
Georgia taxpayers who are interested in participating in the HEART program are encouraged to visit georgiaheart.org to learn more and to submit an online 2022 HEART tax credit application.