Since 1998, the State Legislature has allowed Arizona State Tax payers to allocate a portion of their taxes to the private school of their choice. This means that when you send a contribution of up to $1000, if filing jointly, or up to $500 if filing singly, the State will provide you a dollar-for-dollar-tax credit. This is a wonderful way for individuals to provide tuition assistance for students in need at our community's Jewish schools at no additional cost. If you choose not to participate in the Cheder Tax Credit program, you will still have to pay that money in taxes, but the State will control those tax dollars instead of you directing the dollars toward Jewish education. (top)

 

     State Law A.R.S. 43-1089 allows an Arizona State Tax Payer to designate up to $1000 of their state tax obligation to a private school of their choice. This is money you would have to pay in taxes, so it is not a donation. Your tax obligation or tax burden is money that has already been claimed by the state, and you have either already had it deducted from your pay as state tax, or will owe it to the state when you file your tax return. If you donate it to a private school, the state will reimburse you DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR when you file you tax returns, as long as you have donated less than your state tax burden. (top)

 

     The law requires that 90% of all monies collected be designated for scholarships. In 2006 CSO awarded over $600,000 in scholarships to its participating schools. (top)

     Yes, $1000 is the maximum credit allowed for a maried couple in one year. Lesser donations are also welcome. (top)

     

All Arizona State Taxpayers. Grandparents, relatives, and friends can contribute to CSO and reduce their taxes while helping children get the Jewish education they deserve. We can also accept matching contributions from different businesses and corporations. Please check with your employer, and ask for the matching contribution forms. (top)

 

     Arizona taxpayers can directly affect students' opportunities to attend a Jewish school. Simply put, tax credit donations make possible a wide range of educational opportunities that our children would not otherwise have. (top)

 

     No. Any Arizona individual paying state income tax can make a tax credit contribution to CSO. (top)

 

     No. The Cheder Board feels that donor directed funds do not fulfill the mission of CSO, which is to allow ALL children-regardless of financial ability- greater access to Jewish education. This is why all children who would like to receive CSO monies must fill out a standardized financial aid packet. CSO funding is awarded totally based on financial need. (top)

 

     Yes. The public school donation is made directly to the public school. (top)

 

     Forms 301 and 323. They are available from the Arizona Department of Revenue. (top)

 

     Arizona taxpayers who are interested in learning more about the School Tax Credit Law (A.R.S. 43-1089) should visit the Arizona Department of Revenue's Web site at http://www.revenue.state.az.us (top)

 

     We are a federally tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. You should consult your tax adviser for specific tax advice concerning this deduction. (top)

 

     Applications become available in the spring, and may be picked up at any of our participating schools . Your tax return must be attached to the application. Your privacy is important to us-therefore we will not share your information with any other agencies. The information gathered will only be used to determine the eligibility of funding from CSO. (top) 

 

     It is up to us to help guarantee the future of our children, and to enable them to receive the Jewish education they deserve. Cheder Scholarship organization is the only Private School Tax Credit Organization that solely funds Tucson's Jewish schools. When you give to CSO, you are ensuring the future of Jewish education in Tucson. (top)

 

     Making a donation and getting your tax credit is easy! You can donate now and pay monthly by visiting www.cheder.org. OR call Shaun Kozolchyk at (520) 647-8442. After final payment of your gift, you will receive a receipt letter verifying your contribution. (top)

 

     Certain employers will match the tax credit that you give, thereby doubling the amount of scholarship money that we receive. The only way to find out if your employer has a matching gift program is to ASK your employer! If they have a matching gifts program, you will need to request the proper forms from them. Fill out your portion and bring it to CSO. We will be glad to help you with any questions you that may arise. (top)

 

     Please feel free to call Shaun Kozolchyk at (520) 647-8442 if you have any further questions. (top)