Arizona Charitable Tax Credit
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Rep. Andy Tobin discuses Tax Credit with OTM board member Ron Black and Executive Director Bryan Detwiler
OLD TOWN MISSION HELPS TO SIMPLIFY CHARITABLE TAX CREDIT
The Old Town Mission has worked closely with the Legislature to simplify the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit process so that more donors can designate where their tax dollars are spent. "We have been working diligently on this dollar for dollar credit against state taxes due, which allows individuals to tell their money where to go, rather than ask where it went." Says Bryan Detwiler, Old Town Mission Executive Director."Up to this point, there were some confusing complexities associated with this credit, discouraging many to take advantage of this opportunity. With this in mind, I contacted our local legislators, representative Andy Tobin and Senator Steve Pierce and asked them to introduce a bill to simplify this credit similar to the school tax credits. It is with great pleasure that I can announce that not only was this amendment accepted it, was signed by the governor into law." The Mission is funded entirely by the faithful donations of the community and proceeds from the Mission Thrift Store. The Charitable Tax Credit is a significant way for residents to contribute with dollars already owed to the State. This credit is now as simple as the School Tax Credit and donors may stack their credits against their taxes due, utilizing both. The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit allows you to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state income tax when you give to Old Town Mission. Donors may take the credit for up to $400 if you file a joint return, and $200 for those filing a single tax return. This means your dollars can benefit the working poor, whom Old Town Mission serves. It costs you nothing to donate to the good work of Old Town Mission. A tax credit reduces your final tax liability. It comes right off the top of your state tax bill, lowering the amount of money you will pay. So although your charitable contributions increase, your tax liability is decreased by the same amount - up to $400. Donations must be mailed to Old Town Mission and postmarked by December 31, 2009 to qualify.
"Because of the newness of this bill, not all information is available as of yet and anyone is welcome to contact me at the Mission for updates. We are very excited about the opportunity this presents to even more people to invest locally in the lives of our neighbors. We want to personally thank Representative Tobin and Senator Pierce for their work on our behalf and for providing support to people in need." Says Detwiler.
The Old Town Mission is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which has been serving our communities since 1989. Old Town Mission is a Christian Outreach Ministry that provides a number of ongoing services throughout the year including a Day Resource Center which offers bulk food, clothing, hygiene supplies, job postings and daily lunch meals. Bi-monthly services include showers, the Mission Vision Clinic,which serves uninsured and underinsured individuals with vision care and glasses and Legal Clinics, held in Sedona and Cottonwood offering consultation on a variety of legal matters. Annual Mission programs include Mission Back to School Program offering support to low-income students in area schools, Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives and meals.
