November 29 is Giving Tuesday this year, Arizonans who pay state income tax have a unique and easy opportunity to give by directing where some of those dollars are spent. Arizona tax credits help the community. The state offers a number of dollar-for-dollar credits you can specify on your income-tax return to benefit schools, registered charitable organizations and military families.
- Public schools: You can donate up to $400 married ($200 for singles) to any public or charter school in Arizona for after-school activities. Effective in 2016, donations can be made up to April 15 of the next year (Use Form 322).
- Private school tuition organizations: You can give up to $1,090 married ($545 single) to a tuition organization that awards scholarships for children in Arizona private schools (Form 323). If you wish to donate more than the Form 323 maximum, you can give up to another $1,083 married ($542 single), but this must be claimed on Form 348. Donations can be made up to April 15 of the next year. Click here for more information.
- Qualified Charitable Organization (formerly Working Poor): You can donate up to $800 married ($400 single) to any Arizona-registered charity that helps the poor (Form 321, organization must be approved by the Department of Revenue). You must also itemize your deductions on your Arizona form to claim this credit. Effective in 2016, donations can be made up to April 15 of the next year. Click here for more information.
- Military family relief: You can contribute $400 married ($200 single) to benefit Arizona service members and their families. The assistance goes to those who are deployed or to the families of those injured or killed. The credit is capped at $1 million annually so it’s important to get this money in as early as possible. Any money received after $1 million is reached (usually sometime in December) is returned (Use Form 340). Click here for more information.