Extracurricular Activity (ECA) Tax Credit
The Extracurricular Activity Tax Credit or ECA Tax Credit is designed to allow all taxpayers in Arizona to direct their tax monies to a designation of their choosing. When you file your AZ state tax return, your state tax will be reduced by the amount of your donation. If you qualify for a state refund, your donation will still apply to your refund from the state. The following information are highlights and facts about the tax credit and your donation:
Every household that jointly files for their state taxes can donate up to $400.00 per couple ($200.00 per individual’s tax return) to a specific school. You may split your donation between schools if you wish to support more programs, but you cannot exceed the $400 limit.
The donation is a tax credit, not just a tax deduction. If for example, a household’s tax bill for the preceding year is $1,000.00 and the household had donated $400.00 to a school, the tax bill would be $600.00. Similarly, if you were owed $1,000.00 in a refund, you would get back $1,400.00 if you had made a $400 donation.
This donation is not an extra tax. It is a way of directing part of one’s normal tax bill from general state funds to a specific school’s budget for extracurricular activities. You may direct your monies to a specific extra curricular activity or to the school in general.
You do not need to have a child in school to donate and qualify for the tax credit.
For you to claim the donation in April 2010, you need to donate before December 31, 2009.
Thank you for your support of Crismon Elementary. Your gift underscores your belief that Crismon is a place where academics are supported by the community.
Go to the MPS website at http://www2.mpsaz.org/community/eca/ and follow the directions to make a donation. This link allows credit, debit or check to be used.
To make a donation and get a receipt for your taxes:
1. Make out a check payable to Mesa Public Schools.
2. Designate Crismon Elem.on the form. You may select a specific area to suppport.
3. Deliver your donation to school or simply mail this to:
ECA Tax Credit
Mesa Public Schools
549 N. Stapley Dr.
Mesa, AZ 85203-7297
Thanks for thinking of Crismon and for extending this type of educational opportunity to our students. We greatly appreciate your support.