Arizona residents can claim a tax credit of up to $400 (married) or $200 (single) on their state tax return by donating to an extracurricular or character-building program at any PV school by Dec. 31. Donations can now be made online by credit card. After making this purchase on the donation webpage, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that serves as a receipt for your taxes.
Once you are on the donation page, look for Sonoran Sky on the left hand side of the page. Don’t forget ANY Arizona resident can take advantage of this tax credit. This allows US the taxpayers to tell our legislature where we want our tax money to go!
If you would like to mail in a check – it must be postmarked no later than December 31st!
Mail your checks to:
Sonoran Sky
Attn: Tax Credit
12990 N. 75th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
FAQs:
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What is a tax credit? This is a tax credit, not a tax deduction. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the actual tax owed. For example, if you owe $900 in state income taxes and you donate $400 to a public school for extracurricular activities, you may subtract the $400 from your tax bill and pay the state just $500. What is an extracurricular activity? Extracurricular activity means any optional, non-credit educational or recreational activity that supplements the education program of the school. Activities such as sports, visual and performing arts, special programs, field trips, character education, clubs or outdoor education can be funded with tax credit money. Extracurricular activities help children develop qualities such as leadership, team play and cooperation as well as provide safe, supervised activities after school hours. What is a character education program? A character education program is a program defined in ARS § 15-719. Under this statute each district may develop its own course of study for each grade. At a minimum, the character education program must include instruction in the definition and application of at least six of the following character traits: truthfulness, responsibility, compassion, diligence, sincerity, trustworthiness, respect, attentiveness, obedience, orderliness, forgiveness and virtue. Who is eligible? This tax credit is available to all Arizona individual taxpayers regardless of whether or not they have children in school. An individual can contribute and receive a tax credit for any amount up to $200, or a couple filing jointly can contribute up to $400. Does all of my money go to extracurricular activities? Yes, 100 percent of your donation goes directly to the schools for extracurricular activities that benefit students by enriching campus life and learning. None of the money is used for overhead. Can I designate where I want my money to go? Yes, you can say where you want your donation to go. You can choose your child's school, split the donation between on or more PVUSD schools, and designate it for any extracurricular activity or character education program you choose. You can donate to a school based on student poverty, type of activity, grade levels or location. If you want to donate to a school or an activity where not all parents can afford to contribute, you may do this. Do I have to donate the full $200 or $400? No, you may donate up to your $200 or $400 limit in installments during the calendar year, or donate it at one time. Do I have to live within the Paradise Valley Unified School District? No, any individual who pays Arizona State income tax can donate. Anyone with or without children, married or single, can take advantage of this tax credit. |
E-Bulletins 2011 - 2012 E Bulletins Sonoran Sky Families AZ Tax Credit
