By Susan Summers
Those who are new to Arizona, and even some old timers, may not be aware of a wonderful opportunity that the state of Arizona provides to residents who wish to donate to certain types of charities: the Arizona Tax Credit. Through this program, the state designates “Qualifying Charitable Organizations” (QCO’s) based on whether a charity provides emergency basic needs to eligible low-income residents or those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Arizona taxpayers who donate to a QCO can receive a dollar- for- dollar tax credit up to $800 for a married couple filing jointly or $400 for single heads of households or married people filing separately. The tax credit can be claimed for the tax year in which they donate or for the prior tax year if received before the tax return deadline.
Greater Vail Community Resources, which operates the ReSources Vail Food Bank, is designated as a QCO (I.D. # 20904) and serves Vail zip codes of 85641 and 85747. While the Vail Depot Thrift Store was created to fund the food bank’s operational costs, donations are always needed to fund ongoing programs, especially this year. Buying food to distribute to eligible individuals and families, providing weekend “backpacks” full of supplemental nutrition for needy students, as well as providing meals for homebound residents constitute the food bank’s basic programs. By donating to ReSources, you can keep your charitable dollars local with the knowledge that they are used primarily to support these activities rather than organizational overhead costs.
The ReSources board of directors and volunteers are deeply grateful to so many of our neighbors who have given generously during this unparalleled time of need. As you make year-end decisions on tax credit donations, we thank you for considering Greater Vail Community Resources among many other deserving charities. To learn more about ReSources, visit us at: www.resourcesvail.org.
Susan Summers is a ReSources board member and Vail resident who loves golf and the beauty of the Sonoran desert. Before her retirement, she served as dean of the College of Extended Learning at California State University, San Bernardino.
