Guide to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit
Donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state tax return—up to $470 for single filers or $938 for couples filing jointly. Updated for the 2024 tax year.
Donate Today and Claim Your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit!
How to Claim Your Tax Credit
Follow these simple steps to claim your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit for 2024:
1
Donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank any amount up to $470 (single) or $938 (jointly).
2
Keep Your Receipt for tax filing and documentation.
3
File Your Return – Use Arizona Form 140 and include your completed Form 321.
4
Apply Your Credit – Reduce your state tax bill by up to the amount you donated.
Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only. Please consult a tax professional for specific advice related to your situation.
How Does the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Work?
The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit is a unique benefit that allows Arizona taxpayers to support local qualifying charities like St. Mary’s Food Bank while receiving a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes. Unlike a tax deduction, which lowers taxable income, a tax credit directly reduces tax liability. Arizona is one of the few states where taxpayers can allocate their tax dollars to benefit their community.
Tax Deduction
Tax Credit
Deduction that help in reducing overall texable income.
Reduces your tax liability by offsetting taxes owed.
Can we itemized but most take a standard deduction.
Every $1 contributed usually reduces taxes owed by $1.
Adjust before application of the tax rate.
Adjust after tax due is ascertained.
The more money you make, the more valuable a deduction.
Some credits are refundable and can increase a tax refund.
Dates and Deadlines
To qualify for the 2024 tax year, donations to St. Mary’s Food Bank must be made by April 15, 2025. Here are the key deadlines:
Donation Deadline
Tax Filing Deadline
Arizona State Taxes vs. Federal Taxes
Charitable contributions to qualifying organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank apply only to Arizona state taxes, not federal taxes. However, some donations may also be eligible as deductions on your federal return, offering additional potential benefits. Consult a tax advisor for specific guidance.
Limits and Maximum Contributions
For the 2024 tax year, Arizona residents can claim a maximum credit of:
There is no minimum donation amount to qualify for the credit.
$470
for single filers, heads of household, or married individuals filing separately.
$938
for married couples filing jointly.
Benefits for Donors
By donating to St. Mary’s Food Bank, you not only support essential hunger relief efforts but also gain financial benefits:
- Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Credit – Directly reduces your Arizona state tax owed.
- No Need to Itemize – Claim the credit even if you take the standard deduction on your state return.
- Flexible Giving Options – Donate any amount up to the maximum credit limit.
Benefits for the Community
Your contribution directly supports St. Mary’s Food Bank’s efforts to provide meals and resources to families facing food insecurity in Arizona. With every dollar donated, we can provide approximately seven meals to those in need, making a meaningful impact across our community.
Arizona Tax Forms
To claim your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, complete the following forms:
Qualified Charities and Donations
St. Mary’s Food Bank is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) under Arizona law, identified by QCO Code: 20208. Contributions to qualified organizations must be cash donations; property or in-kind donations are not eligible. There are five Arizona Tax Credits, each with specific maximum credit amounts (listed below). You are not limited to participating in just one Credit. Donate any dollar amount to St. Mary’s and take the maximum credit the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit allows. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to five years.
Credit
Single
Married, Filing Jointly
Arizona Charitable Tax Credit
Up to $470
Up to $938
Public Schools Credit
Up to $200
Up to $400
Private School Tuition Credits
Up to $731
Up to $1,459
Foster Care Charitable Credit
Up to $587
Up to $1,173
Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF)
Up to $200
Up to $400
Claiming Arizona Charitable Tax Credits Through Payroll Withholding
You can also make donations through payroll deductions. Ask your employer if they offer charitable payroll withholding, allowing you to contribute directly. Your pay stub can serve as proof of donation.
The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Lets You Choose Where Your Tax Dollars Go
With the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can decide where a portion of your taxes goes, allowing you to support causes like hunger relief in Arizona. Unlike other tax credits, this program enables you to actively help your community and make a positive impact while receiving a dollar-for-dollar credit on your state taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit?
The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit allows taxpayers to claim a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state income taxes for donations made to qualifying charities.
How much can I contribute?
For the 2024 tax year, the maximum credit is $470 for single taxpayers or heads of household and $938 for couples filing jointly.
When is the deadline to make a tax credit donation?
The deadline is typically April 15 of the following year, unless that day falls on a weekend or holiday. For the 2024 tax year, the deadline is April 18, 2025.
Can I contribute to multiple organizations and claim various tax credits?
Yes, you can claim multiple tax credits in the same tax year, including the Charitable Tax Credit, Foster Care Tax Credit, Public School Tax Credit, and School Tuition Organization Tax Credit.
Do I need to itemize deductions to claim the credit?
No, you do not need to itemize deductions to claim the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.
What types of donations qualify?
Only cash donations qualify. Property donations, in-kind donations (such as toys or books), and services do not qualify.
Who can make qualifying donations?
Only individuals can make qualifying donations. Corporations, foundations, and partnerships do not qualify.
How do I claim the tax credit?
You need to complete Arizona Form 321 for gifts to Qualifying Charitable Organizations (QCOs) and/or Arizona Form 352 for gifts to Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organizations (QFCOs).
What is the QCO code and why do I need it?
The QCO code is a five-digit number assigned by the Arizona Department of Revenue to identify each qualifying organization. You’ll need to enter this code on your tax form when claiming the credit.
Can I carry forward unused credits?
Yes, unused credits can be carried forward for up to five consecutive years.
Is there a minimum donation amount required?
No, there is no minimum dollar requirement for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.
Can I make donations through payroll deductions?
Yes, you can set up payroll deductions with your employer. Your pay stub will serve as proof of your donation.
Does this credit apply to federal taxes as well?
No, the credit only applies to Arizona state income taxes. However, you may be able to claim a federal tax deduction for the donated amount.
What's the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A tax credit provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your income tax liability, while a tax deduction lowers your taxable income.
Can I claim both a deduction and a credit for the same charitable contribution?
No, you cannot claim both a deduction and a credit for the same charitable contribution on your Arizona return.
Will I receive a receipt for my contribution?
Yes. Donation receipts are sent with every donation, no matter the size.