Art Sloane
Did you know that you can make a contribution to a statewide charity to support homeless and in need veterans and reduce your taxes? The qualifying charitable tax credit is a dollar for dollar reduction of your tax liability and it is better than a tax deduction and is available to all Arizona taxpayers. (Note that contributions from partnerships, S corporations, trusts, estates and LLCs are not eligible for this tax credit).
Arizona revised statute ARS 43-1088 gives you this opportunity to help those who fought for our country by donating to the Arizona StandDowns, which are statewide outreach events aimed at assisting at risk and homeless veterans. As a single person, or if you are married but filing separately, you may contribute up to $200. For persons who file a joint return, you may contribute up to $400. In addition to the tax credit for the State of Arizona, the contribution may also qualify as a charitable contribution on your federal tax return. Donations may be made online or by mailing a personal check to the Arizona StandDown, c/o Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness. The Arizona Coalition to end Homelessness is the non-profit organization responsible for assuring successful StandDown events throughout the state. Simply visit the website at azceh.org or mail your donation to AZ StandDown, c/o AZCEH, 3829 N. 3rd St., Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85012. You will be provided with a receipt verifying that you have contributed to an eligible activity. You need not wait until December 31 to be eligible for that tax year. You may donate throughout the year or make recurring donations; however, you will only receive a tax credit on the $200 or $400. Tax credit contributions are non-refundable. See www.azdor.gov for more details or call 602-255-3381 or 1-800-343-7196 from area codes 520 or 928. Always consult your tax preparer or financial advisor for specific advice.
Marcos De Niza High School JROTC in association with the Apache Trail Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars will have an East Valley Massing of the Colors ceremony at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5 in the main gymnasium. MOWW is a national patriotic organization of American military officers and their descendants and is the only organization in the U.S. that sponsors a ceremony of the American flag and military standards. This is an important event for all military service members, their families and members of the community. It allows us to commemorate the sacrifices military men and women have made since the founding of the republic. The main gymnasium is located at 6000 South Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, AZ. If your organization is interested in having a color guard please contact Patrick C. Stolze, Lt. Col. Retired at [email protected]; or call 480-730-7685.