Marks: School tax credits provide big benefits to AJUSD schools
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By Sally Marks | Guest Commentary
Anyone filing an Arizona state tax return can help Apache Junction Unified School District stretch its budget and provide needed supplies by filing out the form for the Arizona State School Tax Credit.
Arizona allows an individual taxpayer to contribute a maximum of $200 — and a married couple filing jointly to contribute a maximum of $400 — to a public school of their choice before April 15t and get credit against their tax liability in the form of a dollar-for-dollar credit. As a result, if you owe money on taxes, that amount is decreased by the total amount of the tax credit donation; and if you have a refund due to you, that refund will be increased by the amount of your donation.
The schools have specific needs that can be directly addressed with the tax donation contributions. For instance, the elementary schools use tax credit donations for clubs such as gardening, art, technology and science. These clubs have an ongoing need for supplies. All three AJUSD elementary principals said playground equipment such as balls are easily damaged in the desert and need to be replaced frequently. Another need is for shade structures over the playground equipment to prevent the children from being burned on the hot outdoor equipment.
If enough tax credit dollars are designated, there is an option for the students to go on field trips for extended learning opportunities.
At the junior high and high school level the donations are also used for club supplies, but also include money to support band (for the purchase of instruments and instrument repairs); drama (to produce plays, create props and other materials); athletics (sporting equipment, uniforms, travel, stipends, league and student fees; yearbook (travel to student training/conventions, conventions fees, equipment); and AVID for student field trips, shirts and academic supplies.
More information about the Arizona State School Tax Credit is outlined on the AJUSD website, ajusd.org/Page/211.
Registration is being accepted at all AJUSD schools. For more information visit ajusd.org.
Editor’s note: Sally Marks is the public relations specialist for Apache Junction Unified School District.
