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Arizona Tax Credit - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use my credit card to make a contribution?

A. Yes. TUSD accepts credit card payments through our secure online Tax Credit form. Note: Credit card payments can only be made through the online form, not at the individual school sites.

Q. What is a tax credit?

A. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your Arizona income tax liability. In other words, you subtract the amount of your contribution to your child's/a TUSD school as a direct credit against the amount of tax liability. For example, suppose you are married and filing jointly and owe $1,000 in state income taxes. When you donate $400 to your community public school, you receive a credit for that exact amount on your Arizona income tax return. As a result, you will only owe the state $600 on your return.

Q. Is it a tax deduction?

A. No. You receive a tax credit on your Arizona income tax return for your contribution. As a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax obligation, a tax credit is much more valuable to you than a tax deduction.

Q. Who is eligible?

A. This tax credit is available to all Arizona individuals who pay state income taxes, regardless of whether or not they have children in school.

Q. Do I have to itemize?

A. No. You do not have to itemize deductions in order to take advantage of the Arizona tax credit for your contribution to your child's/a TUSD school of your choice. However, in order to receive the tax credit you must file Arizona Form 140 (the longer tax return form).

Q. Do I have to live within TUSD?

A. No, any individual who pays Arizona State income tax can give to a TUSD school.

Q. Why should I participate?

A. This program allows you (rather than the Arizona legislature) to control how your tax dollars are spent. You can direct a portion of your tax dollars directly to your TUSD school, where the money will be used to support a variety of beneficial programs for the students. Since all of your contribution will be returned to you when you file your taxes (up to the maximum annual limitation), there is no out-of-pocket expense to you for participating.

Q. Who chooses which school will receive my contribution?

A. You do, by making the check payable to the school of your choice. You can choose a school based on student need, grade levels, location, or personal preference. See the list of TUSD schools or call (520) 225-6437.

Q. I can't decide which school to contribute to. Can you provide me with information about schools with the greatest need?

A. If you'd like more information about how many donations schools received last year, please take a look at the Past Contributions. This information may help you decide which schools you wish to donate to this year.

Q. Do I have to donate the full $200 or $400 all at once?

A. No, you can choose to donate up to the $200 or $400 limit in installments during the calendar year or you can donate it at one time. If you do not wish to donate the full amount, any amount you choose would be valuable to our students and appreciated by our schools. Just make sure the check(s) are brought to the school, or postmarked if mailed, no later than December 31. If you use the online Tax Credit form, be sure to submit it before midnight, December 31.

Q. When is the deadline?

A. Your contribution must be submitted online or delivered or postmarked by December 31.

Q. I'm ready to contribute. Now what do I do?

A. Use the convenient online Tax Credit form to make payment with your credit card. Be sure to submit the form before midnight, December 31. Or fill out the printable Tax Credit form and bring it, or mail it, with your contribution to the TUSD school of your choice. Remember to make your check payable to the school to which you are contributing and deliver or postmark it by December 31. The school will mail you a receipt to use in your tax preparation soon after they receive your contribution.