Education
Filing Taxes Soon? Consider Utilizing the Arizona Tax Credit Donation to Benefit CCUSD Schools By Cort Monroe, Ed.D., CCUSD Superintendent
H
appy New Year! Have you ever heard of the Arizona Tax Credit Donation? This is an easy way to support the students, schools, and programs in the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD).
It benefits qualified activities or qualified programs at $400 for married couples filing jointly and, for individual taxpayers, the limit is $200. HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Any individual (parent or not) can contribute to the school of his/her choice to help fund qualified activities or qualified programs and receive a tax credit from the state. Contributions are donated directly to schools.
A tax credit is different from a tax deduction because it is an actual credit against the income tax imposed upon an individual. Q. What public schools/grades are eligible for the credit? A. Public schools that provide instruction in grades K-12 are eligible for the credit. Preschools do not qualify for the credit. Q. What are some qualified activities or qualified programs? A. Extracurricular activities, character education programs, standardized testing fees for college credit, preparation courses for standardized testing, the career and technical education industry certification assessment, and CPR training.
An Arizona tax law (A.R.S. 43-1089.01) allows individuals or married couples to contribute funds to a public school and receive a tax credit. Donors can reduce the amount owed on their state income taxes by up to $400 for contributions to support qualified activities or qualified programs at any Arizona public school.
Q. What are character education programs? A. 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, virtue, fairness, caring, citizenship, and integrity.
A contribution that is made on or before April 15, following the close of the taxable year, may be applied to either the current or preceding taxable year and is considered to have been made the last day of that taxable year.
Q. Must a public school issue a receipt to the taxpayer for contributions made or fees paid for qualified activities or qualified programs? A. Yes. The receipt includes the public school name, school district number and CTDS number, taxpayer
name and address, amount paid, date paid, and a description of the activity or program being supported. Q. What are extracurricular activities? A. Extracurricular activities are school sponsored activities that may require enrolled students to pay a fee in order to participate. Generally, educational or recreational activities that supplement the educational program of the school are considered to be extracurricular activities. Q. Can a taxpayer make a payment of fees to an organization (e.g., PTA, school foundation, or school club) which then gives the funds in a lump sum to the school or directly pays for qualified activities or qualified programs? A. No. ARS 43-1089.01 requires that the fees be paid “to a public school.” Therefore, the payment must be made directly to the public school. Scan the QR code below to find out more. Thank you for your support. The Cave Creek Unified School District equips students with essential knowledge and skills to become critical thinkers who pursue their passion in a dynamic global society. The tax credit donation is one way in which you can help support this vision.
Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year Program Now Accepting Applications
T
he City of Phoenix Youth and Education Office is now accepting applications for the 2022 Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year awards. The awards recognize and honor the outstanding achievements of young people, enhance the perception of youth, and raise community awareness of their positive contributions. This awards program is open to any students currently enrolled in high school in Phoenix or lives within Phoenix city limits. Here’s how it works: • Two students will be selected as winners from each city council district and receive an award of $500.
20 • January 2022 • NORTH TATUM TIMES
• In addition, each district-level winner will be eligible for an additional $1,500 award if they are selected as the citywide winners. Students interested in applying will need to write an essay, submit a recommendation letter, and proof of legal residence in the United States. Finalists will be interviewed by members of the community. District award winners will be invited to a luncheon sponsored by Rotary 100 and Salt River Project (SRP) where the citywide award winners will be announced. Eligible students can apply online at phoenix. gov/education/outstanding-youth-leader/awardapplication before 5 p.m. on Friday, February 25. For more information, contact the Youth and Education Office at mailbox.youth@phoenix.gov. myhyperlocalnews.com
