Tax Credit Donations

Making a contribution to receive an Arizona public education tax credit is simple. You can get a tax credit up to $200 for an individual or $400 per married couple. Donations must be received by December 31 to receive the tax credit for the current year. For additional information, please call (602) 449-2049.


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What is a tax credit?  A tax credit is not a tax deduction.  A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the actual tax owed. For example, if you owe $900 in state income taxes, and you donate $400 to a public school for extracurricular activities, you may subtract the $400 from your tax bill and pay the state just $500.

What is an extracurricular activity?  Extracurricular activity means any optional, non-credit educational or recreational activity that supplements the education program of the school.  Activities such as sports, visual and performing arts, and special programs, field trips, character education, clubs or outdoor education can be funded with tax credit money. Extracurricular activities help children develop qualities such as leadership, team play and cooperation as well as provide safe, supervised activities after school hours.

What is a character education program?  A character education program is a program defined in ARS 15-719. Under this statue each district may develop its own course of study for each grade. At a minimum, the character education program must include instruction in the definition and application of at least six of the following character traits: truthfulness, responsibility, compassion, diligence, sincerity, trustworthiness, respect, attentiveness, obedience, orderliness, forgiveness and virtue.

Who is eligible?  This tax credit is available to all Arizona individual taxpayers regardless of whether or not they have children in school.  An individual can contribute and receive a tax credit for any amount up to $200, or a couple filing jointly can contribute up to $400.

Does all of my money go to extracurricular activities?  Yes, 100 percent of your donation goes directly to the schools for extracurricular activities that benefit students by enriching campus life and learning. None of the money is used for overhead.

Can I designate where I want my money to go?  Yes, you can say where you want your donation to go. You can choose your child's school, split the donation between one or more Paradise Valley schools, and designate it for any extracurricular activity or character education program you choose. You can donate to a school based on student poverty, type of activity, grade levels or location. If you want to donate to a school or an activity where not all parents can afford to contribute, you may do this.

Do I have to donate the full $200 or $400?  You may donate any amount but you will only receive tax credit for the $200 or $400 limit. You may donate in installments during the calendar year, or donate it at one time.

Do I have to live within the Paradise Valley Unified School District?  No, any individual who pays Arizona State income tax can donate. Anyone with or without children, married or single, can take advantage of this tax credit.

Note:  We do our best to ensure that your donation is used for the purpose(s) you specify. But if for some reason you donation cannot be used for that activity, such as when a field trip or a performance is cancelled, the school will use your money to support another worthwhile eligible activity. 


Sunset Canyon loves volunteers! For the most up-to-date information on how to volunteer and to download a handbook, please visit the Volunteer at PVSchools page


Contact our PTO via email


Holly Glover

Vice President:

Kristi Cohen
Email Ms. Cohen


Scott Green
Email Mr. Green



Teacher Liaison:

Alys Carnesi 


United Parent Council (UPC)
Visit the UPC website