Do you want to do good for those in your community, but you don’t have the time to invest in volunteer opportunities? You aren’t alone, and you should know that there is still an option for you to make a difference. One option comes in the form of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Keep reading in order to learn more about what the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit is, who it helps, and the restrictions surrounding it.
To make the most of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, one has to donate money to a qualifying organization. You direct funds towards an organization that helps those suffering financially and who need extra assistance day-to-day, such as Paz de Cristo. Once you make a donation, you keep track of your gift receipt which you receive from the organization that you donated to. You then fill out necessary forms during tax time and file them along, with your receipt, with your tax return. You then receive a dollar-for-dollar return for the money that you gifted.
You can give money to two separate types of organizations. The first is Qualifying Charitable Organizations (QCOs). These organizations offer essential needs to those living in Arizona who receive temporary assistance for needy families, otherwise referred to as TANF benefits. They also help low-income Arizona residents, as well as children living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. They must utilize at least 50% of their annual budgets on ‘qualified services for qualified Arizona residents.’ Paz de Cristo proudly qualifies as a QCO. We use our budget to provide food boxes to our community. Additionally, we provide dinners to those who need them every night of the week.
The second type of organization you can direct funds to is a Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization (QFCOs). These need to meet all the requirements that Qualifying Charitable Organizations do, but with a separate stipulation. They must use at least half of their budget on services for kids in either child welfare agencies or foster homes.
As referenced by Give Local Keep Local, single taxpayers, those who are married and filing separately, and heads of households can donate up to $400 to QCOs and $500 to QFCOs. Joint taxpayers can donate up to $800 to QCOs and $1,000 to QFCOs. Only money can be gifted to receive the tax credit. Donations such as clothes, toys, and time do not count — though they are encouraged. Contributions do not need to be made by December 31st of the year that you donate! You can claim tax credits for gifts through April of the current year for the tax year prior.
To learn more about the tax credit, or to find other ways to do good in your local Arizona community, contact Paz de Cristo! We can help you gain a more thorough understanding of how the credit works and how we use your donations along with helping you find community service opportunities!