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Tax Credits Benefit MUSD, Community

Dec 13, 2004

If you don’t already know – and judging by last year’s participation levels you don’t – Arizona tax law (ARS 43-1089.01) allows residents to make a donation to Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) and other state public schools at no net cost to the donor. Donations directed toward extracurricular activities or character education programs are eligible to receive a tax credit (not deduction) up to $200 per individual, $250 if filing jointly.

Assuming one’s tax liability is at least equal to the amount of the donation, the State Legislature, in essence, gives Arizona residents the opportunity to direct up to the above amounts to our public schools in lieu of the State’s coffers.

In 2003, $10,800 was generated for MUSD with just 49 people making donations through the tax credit program. Among the beneficiaries of the additional funds were:
• Elementary Band
• Elementary Science Olympiad
• High School Academic Decathlon
• High School Band
• High School Basketball
• High School Football
• High School Softball
• High School Wrestling

Daniel O’Brien (pictured at right), MUSD’s finance director, said the District’s goal this year is “to match that, if not increase it.” O’Brien went on to say, “With the increase in population, if we could increase 10% per year that would be good.”

For funds to be directed to MUSD, donors do not have to be MUSD parents nor do they need to live in Maricopa. In fact, donors can even specify the school (e.g. Santa Rosa Elementary) or extracurricular activity (e.g. Varsity Soccer) they would like to receive the funds.

More information on the Arizona School Tax Credit, including an additional $500 private school tuition credit opportunity, is available on the web and, as always, please consult your tax advisor.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM/RECEIPT

Payment must be delivered or sent to Maricopa USD no later than
December 31, 2004 to receive credit for the 2004 tax year.

Editor’s note: This “found” money can have a significant impact on our schools and our community. While the District conservatively is seeking a 10% increase in donations, the actual amount should be closer to 1,000%! If you are a taxpayer and live or work in Maricopa, please download the above form and submit your $200 (or $250) check today!