Tax Credit

Arizona Taxpayers
Don’t send your hard-earned money
to the State of Arizona!

Take control of how your tax dollars are spent.
Send up to $250 of your taxes to your child’s public school.*

It will cost you nothing.
It helps students.
It’s easy!

The Arizona tax credit program.
The Arizona legislature has provided you, as an Arizona taxpayer, with a great opportunity to benefit students at the public school of your choice.

*The Arizona tax credit program (A.R.S. § 43- 1089.01) allows you to receive a tax credit of up to $200 for single individuals (or head of household) or $250 for married couples filing a joint return ($125 if married filing separate) for your donation to any public school.

What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a dollar for dollar reduction in your Arizona income tax liability. Under this program, you simply allocate a portion of your tax dollars directly to your child's school. In other words, you are going to pay the money one way or the other (either to the Arizona Treasury or to a qualified school), so why not take control of how your tax dollars are
spent and send that money to a public school.

It will not cost you anything to make your donation.
For example, if you would otherwise owe $1,000 in state income taxes and you donate $250 to a public school, you will receive a credit for that amount on your Arizona income tax return. As a result, you will only owe the state $750 on your return. If you are expecting a refund, the amount of your refund will be increased (dollar for dollar) by the amount of your contribution (up to the maximum annual limitation). You may also be able to claim a charitable deduction on your federal income tax return for this contribution (please consult your own tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your contribution).

This is truly a “win-win” opportunity for everyone! You win; the school wins; children win!

Who is eligible for this tax credit?
The tax credit is available to all Arizona taxpayers regardless of whether they have children in school. This means that the program is not only available to parents, but relatives, friends, faculty, neighbors and others. So please encourage as many individuals as you can to contribute up to $250 to a public school. Again, since all contributors will receive a dollar for dollar tax credit on the Arizona income tax return, there is ultimately no out-of-pocket expense for participating in this program.

How will my donation be used?
By law, your donation may only be used to support“extracurricular activities” at your child's school. These extracurricular activities include any optional, educational or recreational activity which supplements the educational program of the school (whether offered before, during, or after regular school hours). At your child's school, tax credit donations have been used to hire part-time music and PE instructors (which TUSD does not provide) and for other worthy causes that directly benefit kids (e.g., the Visual Literacy Program, the Art Parent Partnership, field trips, track, jump rope club, etc.). Again, many of these programs could not otherwise be supported without your generous tax credit donation. Your donation can make a big difference in students’ lives by supporting a variety of “extracurricular activities” at your child's school.

Employer Matching Program.
Many employers offer employee matching grant programs which will match dollar for dollar your contribution to your child's school (i.e., effectively doubling the amount of your donation to the school). Check with your employer to see if they offer this program! It is a simple way to increase the amount of money available for extracurricular programs at your child's school.

How can I take advantage of this tax credit?

1. Fill out the Tax Credit Form on this site and attach your check made payable to the public school of your choice. Donations of any amount are appreciated, however, the maximum available credit under the Arizona tax credit program is limited to $250 for married couples filing jointly; $200 for single filers (or head of household); and $125 for married couples filing separately.
2. Either mail or hand-deliver your completed form and check to the school. Be sure to get a written acknowledgment of your donation, which you will need when you complete your Arizona income tax return. Important: Please retain this acknowledgment for your tax records as the school will not be able to provide you with a replacement. Contact your tax professional if you have any questions about the Arizona Tax Credit Program.

Thank you!