This article will be updated with the latest news on the bill.
Are you an Iowa resident? Iowa HF2078 is moving through the 2026 Iowa legislature and would fundamentally change homeschooling. The Opportunity Tax Credit Act targets Iowa homeschool families with $4,000 payments, compromising the principles of fiscal conservatism and education independence.
This bill has been introduced and referred to the House Education Committee. It will have serious implications for homeschool families and taxpayers in Iowa. Take a moment to read about the main problems with HF2078 to be fully informed of its consequences.
What Does Iowa HF2078 Do?
HF2078 would establish the Opportunity Tax Credit Act, which would give homeschool families $4,000 per child through a state tax refund.
The bill would create a special state fund to distribute these payments and require the state to set aside money each year to pay families. Homeschool families are specifically targeted by this bill because it would include them in Iowa’s school choice programs, which currently only serve families using public and private schools.
HF2078 Common Questions Answered
- How is the program financed? The program is paid for by Iowa taxpayers. Starting July 1, 2026, the state must fund all qualifying families via taxes.
- Where is the money held? The money is held in a state account called the Opportunity Fund, managed by the Iowa Department of Revenue.
- Who is eligible for the tax credit? Eligible children cannot be enrolled in public school or receive payments from Iowa’s current school choice program (called Students First Education Savings Accounts). They must be kindergarten-eligible, have attended public school previously, or have received an education savings account (ESA) or this tax credit before.
- How much money can homeschool families get? Homeschool families receive $4,000 per child.
- How is the money given to families? Families can receive the money as a tax refund or apply for advance payments throughout the year.
What Are the Main Problems with HF2078?
- HF2078 is more like a publicly funded welfare payment than a true tax credit. Although labeled a refundable credit, it is not meaningfully tied to tax liability, documented educational expenses, or approved uses.
- HF2078 determines eligibility by enrollment status, not spending. It would allow the state to pay a fixed amount per child regardless of what—if anything—is spent on education.
- HF2078 does not require receipts, approved vendors, or expense verification. It operates as a general fund cash transfer to households rather than a targeted education program.
- HF2078 normalizes government checks as a mechanism for funding education. This functions unlike an ESA, which restricts public dollars to defined educational expenses and providers.
- HF2078 promises homeschool families more money than most can spend. Many homeschool families do not spend anywhere near $4,000 per child annually on their education.
How HF2078 Violates Education Independence
This bill violates all four pillars of education independence.
| Independent Parents
|
Violated: Compromises parental autonomy by buying ownership over a child’s education. |
| Independent Funding
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Violated: Finances private education with public funds, distributing money through a government system. |
| Independent Pursuit | Warning: When financial responsibility is shifted from the family to the state, long-term consequences are inevitable. |
| Independent Ideas |
Oppose Iowa HF2078: Contact Your Legislator
Engaged citizens play a critical role in stopping harmful legislation. This bill poses a serious threat to independent private education in Iowa since the claim for independence has been predicated on families being privately financed. So, if you live in Iowa, it is important that you ask yourself, “Are you willing to protect independence?”
Whether you homeschool, send your children to private school, or simply care about educational freedom, your voice matters in this debate.
- Reach out to your state representatives. Find your legislator(s) and send an email or place a call to their office expressing your opposition to HF2078.
- Spread the word in your community. The more people who understand what’s at stake, the stronger the response. Share information about this bill with your neighbors, friends, and family, and encourage them to contact their representatives as well.
Need help communicating with your legislators? Many families do! Our legislator communication templates provide guidance for writing letters or emails, making phone calls, or scheduling meetings with your elected officials.
Join the Network for Bill Updates
Become a member of the Education Independence Network to receive timely notifications as HF2078 moves through the legislative process.
