PIMA — As the year comes to an end, taxpayers are looking for ways to reduce the amount of money owed to the state.
Luckily, there are two ways to do just that.
The first is by making a donation to the public school of your choice.
“If your tax credit contribution is more than the amount of the state taxes you owe, the credit can be carried forward up to five years. Receiving this tax credit will allow you to reduce the amount you owe the state, or increase your refund,” said Troy Thygerson, Superintendent for Dan Hinton School and Brighter Day Preschool.
Those filing taxes as an individual can contribute up to $200 to a public school of his or her choosing, and couples filing jointly can contribute up to $400.
The second way is to make a donation to a qualified charitable organization.
The Graham Greenlee Tax Credit Coalition lists eight local nonprofit organizations that qualify for the tax credit: Boys & Girls Club of the Gila Valley, Canyonlands Healthcare, Great Communities Resource Center (GCRC), Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry, Mt. Graham Safe House, Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition, Southeaster Arizona Community Unique Service (SEACUS) and Tooth B.U.D.D.S.
Individuals can contribute up to $400 to a nonprofit of his or her choice, and couples filing jointly can contribute up to $800.
Tax filers can contribute to both a public school and a qualified charitable organization, and get both credits. Donations can be made in person at the school and/or nonprofit organization, or online at Home – Graham and Greenlee Tax Credit Coalition (grahamgreenleetcc.org).
