Contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31st to be eligible for a deduction on your 2009 taxes.

The Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Law (ARS 43-1089) provides for a tax credit against state income tax obligation to any Arizona taxpayer for payments made to a qualified School TuitionOrganization (STO) that provides scholarships or grants tostudents in qualified private schools. Married couples filing jointly may contribute up to $1,000 each year; taxpayers filing singly may contribute up to $500.

Since this credit is dollar for dollar, your contribution costs you nothing. For example, if you currentlypay $4,000 in state income tax and contribute $1,000 to AISSF, you will only owe $3,000 in state taxes.

What is AISSF?

The Arizona Independent School Foundation (AISSF) is a School Tax Credit Organization recognized by the state of Arizona as a foundation eligible to accept tuition tax credit donations. The foundation distributes tax credit revenue for need-based financial aid at its member schools (Green Fields Country Day School, St. Gregory College Preparatory School and Phoenix Country Day School).

How much of my contribution will be used for financial aid?

State law requires that 90% of an STO's annual revenue be distributed for financial aid. AISSF is committed to doing even better, consistently distributing more than 93% of its annual income.

Can I also give to a public school or do I have to choose?

You may give to both! These are separate credits, so you can give $1,000 to AISSF and $400 to a public school of your choice. If filing singly, you may allocate $500 to AISSF and $200 to a public school.

How do I claim my tax credit?

Once a contribution is made, AISSF will send each contributor a receipt and Green Fields will send you Arizona forms 301 and 323. Claiming the credit is easy: just fill out forms 301 and 323 with the amount of your contribution and file them with your state tax return.

What is the difference between tax deduction and a tax credit?

A tax credit is more beneficial than a tax deduction. A credit reduces your Arizona taxes (the bottom line) dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction reduces the taxable income upon which the taxes are calculated.

Can I claim both a federal deduction and an Arizona tax credit for the same contribution?

Yes! AISSF is a charitable 501 (c)(3) organization, therefore you may be able to claim your contribution as an itemized deduction on your federal income tax return. Please check with your tax preparer for details.

Can I designate my payment to go for financial aid to support a specific student?

No. Under the law, a parent or guardian cannot designate his or her own dependent and still qualify for a tax credit. In addition, AISSF does not accept specific student designations; instead, all contributions are applied to need-based financial aid at member schools. However, you may designate your contribution specifically to Green Fields.

How do I make my contribution?

By Check: Make checks payable to AISSF/GF. Please include your address and phone number and send them to:

AISSF

c/o Green Fields Country Day School

6000 N. Camino de la Tierra

Tucson, AZ 85741

Print out and send in this form with your check: Tax Credit Brochure.pdf

By Credit Card: Call (520) 297-2288, ext. 120 or log onto http://www.aissf.org/

Contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31st to be eligible for a deduction on your 2009 taxes.