From the desk of Caron M. Mitchell, CPA + Tucson J Board Chair
If you have been looking for the right moment to donate to the Tucson J, now is the time! As a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) through the Arizona state tax credit program, the Tucson J offers an incredible benefit when you donate — the entire amount back to you in the form of a tax credit.
What exactly does this mean? You can support scholarships to the Tucson J’s award-winning childcare programs including Early Childhood Education, Camp J, and JCare afterschool program., and help families in need at no cost to you!
This program is not only incredibly beneficial for the QCOs it supports, but is also just as beneficial to you, the donor. Keep reading to learn how your tax credit donation to the J helps make a difference and why it’s a smart choice for you, too!
Available Tax Benefits
Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Reduction
The credit offers a direct, dollar-for-dollar reduction of your Arizona state income tax liability, unlike a deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
Maximum Credit Limits
Individuals can claim up to $495 and married couples filing jointly can claim up to $987 (for the 2025 tax year) as a credit for QCO contributions.
Stackable with Other Credits
The QCO tax credit is stackable with other popular Arizona tax credits, such as the Public School Credit, Foster Families Credit, or the Private School Tuition Organization Credit.
Tax Flexibility
Avoid Federal Tax Uncertainty
With all the tax changes from recent federal legislation, there are new limits and thresholds that apply to non-tax credit charitable contributions. There have been no changes to the Arizona programs, allowing you to be confident in the benefits you receive.
No Itemizing Required
You do not need to itemize deductions on your tax return to claim the Arizona state tax credit.
Extended Deadline
Contributions made between January 1st and the tax filing deadline (typically April 15th) of the following year can still be claimed on the prior tax year’s return.
Carryforward Provision
If your credit amount is more than your current year’s state tax liability, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to five consecutive years.
Direct Community Impact (Your Tax Dollars at Work)
Empowerment of Choice
You get to choose a certified QCO to receive your tax dollars, giving you control over where a portion of your state taxes are allocated.
Support for Basic Needs
Donations go to QCOs that provide immediate basic needs—such as food, clothing, shelter, or medical care—to low-income Arizonans, the chronically ill, or those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Community Impact
Your donation remains local, directly funding vital services for vulnerable residents in our Tucson community at virtually no net cost to you.
Learn more about donating to the Tucson J here. For questions or more information, please contact Fran Katz, chief development officer of the Tucson J, at fkatz@tucsonjcc.org
About Caron M. Mitchell, CPA
A Tucson native, Caron graduated from Eller College at the University of Arizona Cum Laude in 1998 with a degree in Accounting. She has assisted clients with their small business, trust, and individual tax compliance and planning needs for over 20 years. In 2020, she received her Six Sigma Black Belt, enabling her to add business process design and improvement to the firm’s services.
Passionate about her community, she has served as Treasurer for the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and Chair of the JCC’s Finance Committee and is the current board chair. Outside of work, she loves cooking, games, and her cats (they are likely to make an appearance onscreen during meetings).
This message is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, and/or legal counsel before making any decisions.
