Everything you need to know about:

Arizona Public School Tax Credit

The Arizona Public School Tax Credit is a fantastic opportunity for Arizona taxpayers to support Shaw Butte Elementary School with money that would otherwise go to the state. By making a contribution, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your Arizona state income tax liability.

This means you can direct your tax dollars right here to help our students—it truly costs you nothing!

Your contribution directly funds vital programs and activities that enrich the educational experience for every student at Shaw Butte Elementary. These funds are essential for supporting:

  • Extracurricular Activities: Sports, clubs, arts programs, and other activities that supplement the core curriculum and help students discover their talents and interests.

  • Educational Field Trips: Non-recreational trips that bring learning to life outside the classroom.

  • Character Education Programs and after-school enrichment classes.

  • Testing Fees for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

You can choose to designate your donation to a specific program or allow the school to apply it where the need is greatest.

How the Tax Credit Benefits Shaw Butte

How the Tax Credit Works for Donors

The Arizona Public School Tax Credit is a tax credit, not a deduction. This is a key difference that makes it so valuable:

  • Tax Credit: A dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax you owe to the state.

  • Tax Deduction: A reduction in your taxable income.

Example: If you owe $500 in Arizona state taxes and contribute the maximum $400, your tax liability is reduced to just $100. If you were due a $100 refund and contribute $400, your refund would increase to $500!

Filing Status

Married, Filing Jointly

Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separately

Maximum Tax Credit

up to $400

up to $200

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Key Takeaways

Who is eligible? Any individual who pays Arizona state income tax is eligible, even if you do not have a child enrolled at Shaw Butte Elementary or in the Washington Elementary School District.

The Deadline: Contributions can be made up until Arizona's tax filing deadline (usually April 15th) to be claimed on the prior calendar year's tax return.

This timing gives you a huge advantage:

1. Calculate First: Figure out how much state income tax you owe before you donate.

2. Maximize Your Savings: Donate up to the limit ($200 for individuals, $400 for married couples) to get the biggest reduction.

3. Zero Cost: You are simply giving your tax money to Shaw Butte Elementary instead of sending it to the state.

4. File Easily: Claim your credit using Arizona Form 322 when you file your state taxes.

Last but not least—you do not have to donate the maximum amount ($400/$200) in order to benefit—any amount donated will be deeply appreciated by the school and provide you with the tax credit.

Instead of sending your tax dollars to the state—where politicians decide where to spend it—you get to direct that money straight to Shaw Butte Elementary where it can fund the programs our students need most.

The information provided on this page regarding the Arizona Public School Tax Credit is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, professional tax advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: Any individual Arizona taxpayer who owes state income tax can contribute. You do not need to have a child enrolled at Shaw Butte Elementary or in the Washington Elementary School District (WESD).

  • A: The maximum amounts you can claim as a dollar-for-dollar credit are:

    • $400 for Married couples filing jointly.

    • $200 for Single, Head of Household, or Married filing separately.

  • A: No. You can donate any amount up to the maximum limit for your filing status. We appreciate every dollar!

  • A: No. The public school tax credit is only available to individual Arizona taxpayers.

  • A: It is a tax credit. A credit is much more valuable than a deduction because it is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your state tax liability. A deduction only reduces your taxable income.

  • A: Contributions must be made on or before April 15th (or the annual state tax filing deadline) to be claimed on the prior calendar year's tax return.

  • A:Yes! Your contribution will increase the amount of your refund. For example, if you were due a $100 refund and you contribute $200, your refund would increase to $300.

  • A: The credit is nonrefundable, meaning it can only reduce your tax liability to zero. However, any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for up to five consecutive taxable years.

  • A: No. The Public School Tax Credit is separate and does not affect your ability to claim other Arizona tax credits.

  • A: You will complete Arizona Form 322 and include it with your state income tax return. You will need to keep your receipt for your records.

  • A: The Arizona Department of Revenue requires the school's CTDS (County Code, Type Code, and District Code & Site Number) on Form 322.

    • Shaw Butte Elementary CTDS Number: 07-04-06-160

The information provided on this page regarding the Arizona Public School Tax Credit is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, professional tax advice.