RETAIN Act

The RETAIN Act creates a refundable tax credit for educators in high-need schools, including early childhood educators, teachers, school leaders, and school-based mental health providers. The credit amount increases with years of continuous service, ranging from $5,800 for the first two years to $11,600 after 10 years of service. It is refundable (meaning it pays out even if no income tax is owed) and applies to those working in qualifying schools serving high-poverty areas or meeting Title I eligibility criteria. The credit aims to address retention challenges by rewarding long-term service in under-resourced educational settings.