If you are looking back at the past month of holiday hustle and bustle with a sense of regret because you just couldn't squeeze in the time to adopt a needy child or fill a food box, no worries. There's still time to give to those in need before the year's end and possibly receive a $200 ($400 for couples) credit on your state income tax with the Arizona Tax Credit for Contributions to Charities that Provide Assistance to the Working Poor.
Steve Alley, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, believes that the tax credit and provisions such as the IRA Charitable Rollover offer added incentive for people seeking opportunities to support local charities.
"The tax credits and deductibility of some monetary gifts are good things for nonprofits and they are good for folks who are making the contributions from the standpoint that they offer great incentive," Alley said. "In most cases, people who are going to contribute will do so, but this might give them incentive to do a bit more and economically it is not as painful in the long run."
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More than 100 Southern Arizona non-profits qualify for the state tax credit — among them is Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services, which recently received the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona Achievement Award for Impact: Small Organizations.
Since its inception seven years ago, more than 1,700 girls have received services from Teen Outreach, which provides teen-specific pregnancy, childbirth and parenting educational support in an effort to help the teen and her family experience a positive outcome. Among the organization's services are one-on-one mentoring for the pregnant teen and her partner, hospital visits and home visits after the baby's birth. The organization also offers comprehensive sex education for non-pregnant and non-parenting teens.
Teen Outreach is an example of the diverse, small non-profits that are filling vital niches in the community, according to volunteer Paula Jeffries. Both Jeffries and her mother, Roberta Schadl, have witnessed the program firsthand.
"Teen Outreach is one of the few programs in the nation that serves teens specifically to help teach parenting and childbirth education, and we go well beyond that," Jeffries said. "After the babies are born, we give them support because lots of these teens are really scared and when they are thrown into an adult environment a lot of times they are stereotyped. We don't judge them.
"Basically, they are in this situation and have chosen to keep their baby, and we will help them have a healthy baby and it really works."
Schadl, 80, said she wishes Teen Outreach had existed years ago, because she knows many single mothers and teens who could have benefited from its services.
"Teen Outreach gives the teenagers a place to go to learn how to take care of their baby, and I think it is very helpful," Schadl said. "I think every teenager should take advantage of it whether they are pregnant or not."
How You Can Help Those in Need
Take a Tax Credit for 2007
Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services is one of many local non-profit organizations that qualify for the Arizona Tax Credit for Contributions to Charities that Provide Assistance to the Working Poor. Consult your tax professional to determine if you qualify for up to $200 in tax credit on your Arizona income tax ($400 per couple). Ask for Form 321. Visit the Arizona Department of Revenue Web site at www.revenue.state.az.us/ Refunds%20and%20Credits/creditrefundmenu.htm to view eligible non-profits. For more information about TOPS, call 888-2881. Contributions can be sent to: Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services; 39 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.
Like to give a larger gift?
Individuals who are at least 70 1/2 may be eligible for a tax-free gift of up to $100,000 from a traditional or Roth IRA to qualified 501(c)3 public charities without including the distribution in their gross income. Ask your tax adviser for details about the IRA Charitable Rollover provision.
Other charitable tax tips
Donations or extracurricular fees paid to public and charter schools may qualify for up to $200 in individual tax credit on Arizona income tax ($400 per couple); you need not have a student in school to qualify. Ask your tax adviser about the School Tax Credit Form 322.
For an even bigger bang for your buck, consider the Credit for Private School Tuition Organizations. Donations to the Catholic Tuition Support Organization for the Diocese of Tucson, Cheder Scholarship Organization, Alternative School Scholarship Fund and other tuition organizations may qualify for up to $1,000 per couple ($500 per individual) in state tax credit (Form 323) while qualifying as itemized charitable contributions on your federal income tax as well. All donations must be postmarked by Monday; consult your tax adviser for details.
