AZ School Tax Credit

It's a win-win for you and our schools.  The State of Arizona has a law that benefits taxpayers and schoolchildren alike.  A.R.S. 43-1089 allows a tax credit of $200 for individuals and $400 for married couples filing jointly, for fees or donations paid to a public school in support of extracurricular activities.

It costs you nothing.  The beauty of the tax credit is that it costs you nothing, gives you a say in how your tax dollars are spent and reduces your bill by whatever amount you donate. Let’s say you donate $400 to an eligible school activity, you will reduce your Arizona state tax bill by $400. If you expect a refund, it will be $400 higher. If you don’t pay state income tax, you can’t reduce your liability below $0.

So many programs in need of support.   Last year, taxpayers like you helped cover the costs of field trips, after-school programs, admission to plays, concerts, parks, museums and nature camps, and music, art and physical education programs. Simply put, tax credit donations make possible a wide range of learning opportunities that our children would not otherwise have. And you don’t have to have a child in the school district to benefit from this tax credit.

Making a donation is easy.

Download and print the tax credit form  Complete the information and return it or mail it to Chaparral High School. You will be mailed a receipt to use in your tax preparation.

Please respond today. There has never been a better time – or way – for you to help our schoolchildren. Your donation must be made before December 31st to apply to the current year, so please write your check today. Thank you for enriching the lives of our schoolchildren.

If you have any questions about the tax credit program or would like to learn more about our award-winning schools, please contact the school of your choice or read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the maximum dollar amount available for this credit?  A.R.S. 43-1089 allows a tax credit of $200 for individuals and $400 for married couples filing jointly, for fees or donations paid to a public school in support of extracurricular activities.

When is the tax credit available?  The tax credit is available for taxable year beginning January 1. Contributions must be received by December 31, 2006, to qualify for your 2006 tax return.

Must I have a child in school to claim this credit?  No. There is no requirement that the taxpayer have a child enrolled in a public school in order to claim the credit.  Donations or contributions made in support of extracurricular activities at a public school which require a fee are eligible for the tax credit, up to the maximum as stated above.

What public schools and grades are eligible for the credit?  All public schools that provide instruction in grades K-12 are eligible for the credit.  Non-governmental schools, preschools, community colleges and universities do not qualify for the credit.

Can I receive a refund of these credits?  The credits may only be used to the extent that they reduce State tax liability to zero.

I made some eligible contributions in 2006 before I knew about the new law.  Can I still claim this contribution?  Yes; however, you will need a receipt.  Please call or visit the school office to obtain a receipt. You may be asked to provide documentation, such as a canceled check, for your contribution.