Make a Tax Credit Contribution- TODAY!

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The Arizona Department of Revenue requires that Qualified Charitable Organizations (QCO) spend at least 50% of their annual expenditures on Basic Needs Services to eligible populations. A majority of Unity Salsa's budget is spent on our Human Services Department, in which 100% of the people we serve are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

The Arizona Tax Credit allows taxpayers to reduce their state tax liability by making donations to Qualified Charitable Organizations (QCOs). Instead of paying that amount to the state, you can direct it to a charity that helps low-income residents and families in crisis.

For the 2024 tax year, the maximum credit amount is $470 for individuals and $938 for married couples. 

Unity Salsa is eligible for employee matching programs with many large companies, and is currently registered with Benevity. If your company offers matching and you have questions, please reach out to admin@unitysalsa.org.

No, you do not need to itemize your deductions. The QCO tax credit is available to taxpayers whether they itemize or take the standard deduction.

Qualified Charitable Organizations (QCOs) are Arizona-based charities that provide immediate basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care to low-income Arizona residents. These organizations are required to spend a majority of their funds on these services. The Arizona Department of Revenue provides a list of approved QCOs on their website.

Donations must be made by April 15th of the following year to qualify for the tax credit. For example, donations made by April 15, 2025, can be claimed on your 2024 tax return.

Yes, this is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your state tax liability. For example, if you owe $1,000 in state taxes and donate $470 to Unity Salsa, your tax liability is reduced to $530. 

Yes, if your donation exceeds your tax liability for the year, you can carry forward the unused credit for up to five consecutive years.

The QCO tax credit is one of several available tax credits in Arizona. It specifically benefits charities that support low-income residents and families. Other credits include contributions to schools, foster care organizations, and public schools. 

Yes, you can donate to multiple qualifying organizations and claim different tax credits, such as the Public School/Charter School Tax Credit, Private School Tuition Tax Credit, or the Foster Care Tax Credit, in addition to the QCO Tax Credit.

There is no minimum dollar requirement – a taxpayer can make a gift of any size, up to the maximum described above. For example, A taxpayer can make a $20 donation, submit the Arizona Form 321, and receive a tax credit in the amount of $20 from the state of Arizona when they file taxes.  The total amount of available credit that a taxpayer may use for the taxable year cannot be greater than the tax liability owed toward the state of Arizona.