Redirect Taxes You Already Owe to Causes You Care About
Arizona offers one of the most taxpayer-friendly credit systems in the country. Through several dollar-for-dollar Arizona tax credits, you can support local charities, foster care organizations, schools, scholarship programs, and military families while reducing your Arizona income tax liability. Unlike a tax deduction, which merely reduces taxable income, these programs directly reduce the amount of Arizona tax you owe.
Think of it this way: you’re already paying Arizona taxes. These programs simply allow you to decide where a portion of those dollars go.
Whether your priority is helping homeless individuals, supporting foster youth, strengthening local schools, expanding educational opportunities, or assisting Arizona veterans, these credits allow your tax dollars to create a direct impact in your community.
Important Tax Note: Contributions claimed as Arizona tax credits generally do not qualify for a federal charitable deduction to the extent a state tax benefit is received. Consult your tax advisor regarding the federal treatment of these contributions.
Why Arizona Tax Credits Are So Popular
- Dollar-for-dollar tax savings rather than a simple deduction.
- No additional out-of-pocket cost if you already owe Arizona income tax.
- Local impact with funds staying in Arizona communities.
- Flexible giving options across multiple organizations and causes.
- Additional planning opportunities available through year-end and, in many cases, through April 15 of the following year.
2026 Arizona Tax Credit Limits
Individual Taxpayer Limits
Credit Type | Single / HOH / MFS | Married Filing Joint |
Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) | $506 | $1,009 |
Qualifying Foster Care Organization (QFCO) | $632 | $1,262 |
Public School Tax Credit | $200 | $400 |
Private School Tuition Credit (STO) | $1,571 | $3,131 |
Military Family Relief Fund | $200 | $400 |
The STO maximum reflects both the Original STO Credit and the additional Switcher Credit combined.
Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) Tax Credit
The QCO credit supports Arizona charities that provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and related services to low-income individuals, individuals with chronic illnesses, and individuals with physical disabilities. Organizations must be certified annually by the Arizona Department of Revenue.
2026 Credit Limits
- Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separate: Up to $506
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $1,009
Resources
2026 Qualified Charitable Organization List
K&A Recommended Organization
Paz de Cristo provides meals, clothing, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship throughout the Valley.
Qualifying Foster Care Organization (QFCO) Tax Credit
Arizona’s QFCO credit encourages support for organizations serving children and families involved in the foster care system. These organizations provide mentoring, educational support, placement assistance, life-skills training, and family resources designed to help foster youth succeed.
2026 Credit Limits
- Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separate: Up to $632
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $1,262
Resources
2026 Qualified Foster Care Organization List
K&A Recommended Organization
Arizonans for Children supports foster youth and foster families by providing resources, educational opportunities, scholarships, and programs that help children thrive.
Public & Charter School Tax Credit
Many Arizona taxpayers are surprised to learn they can support public education and receive a tax credit even if they do not have children enrolled in the school.
Contributions help fund:
- Athletics and extracurricular activities
- Music and arts programs
- Field trips
- Career and technical education programs
- Character education programs
- Playground improvements
- Community meal programs
- Other qualifying educational activities
2026 Credit Limits
- Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separate: Up to $200
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $400
Resources
Arizona Public School Tax Credit Information
K&A Recommended Organization
Longview Elementary School
Located in the Osborn School District, Longview Elementary serves a diverse student population and benefits directly from donations made through Arizona’s Public School Tax Credit program.
Private School Tuition Credit (STO)
Arizona’s School Tuition Organization (STO) program provides scholarships that help students attend qualifying private schools throughout Arizona. Contributions are made to certified School Tuition Organizations, which distribute scholarships to eligible students.
The STO program includes two separate credits that may be used together.
Original STO Credit
2026 Maximum Contribution
- $787 Single / HOH / MFS
- $1,570 Married Filing Joint
Switcher STO Credit
After maximizing the Original STO Credit, taxpayers may make additional contributions through the Switcher Credit.
2026 Maximum Contribution
- $784 Single / HOH / MFS
- $1,561 Married Filing Joint
Combined 2026 STO Maximum
- Single / HOH / MFS: Up to $1,571
- Married Filing Joint: Up to $3,131
Resources
Arizona STO Program Information
K&A Recommended Organization
The Pappas Kids Schoolhouse Foundation supports the educational needs of homeless and at-risk children by providing scholarship opportunities and educational support that promote long-term success.
Corporate Taxpayers
Businesses, S corporations, partnerships, and certain exempt organizations may qualify for additional STO-related credits. Because specialized rules and limitations apply, speak with K&A before making business-related contributions.
Arizona Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF)
Support Arizona Veterans and Military Families
The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund provides financial assistance to Arizona veterans, active-duty service members, and their families who are experiencing unforeseen financial hardships connected to military service.
Assistance commonly helps with:
- Rent and mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Transportation expenses
- Medical costs
- Other emergency financial needs
The program serves both pre-9/11 and post-9/11 veterans and military families.
2026 Credit Limits
- Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separate: Up to $200
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $400
Important 2026 Update
The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund is currently accepting 2026 tax-credit donations online.
Arizona law limits tax-credit-eligible MFRF donations to $1 million annually, and credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the statewide cap is reached, additional contributions may still be accepted but will be treated as charitable donations rather than tax-credit contributions.
As of July 2026, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services reports approximately $312,800 in donations received toward the annual cap.
Why Donate Early?
Unlike other Arizona credits, MFRF credit eligibility depends on available statewide funding capacity. Waiting until late in the year could mean the tax-credit portion of the program is no longer available.
Resources
Military Family Relief Fund Information
Need Assistance? GET HELP HERE.
Contribution Deadlines
For the QCO, QFCO, Public School, and STO programs, Arizona law allows qualifying contributions made through April 15, 2027 to be applied to your 2026 Arizona income tax return. This provides taxpayers with additional flexibility when completing year-end tax planning.
Because the Military Family Relief Fund is subject to an annual statewide cap, taxpayers interested in that credit should consider donating earlier in the year.
How K&A Helps
Our team assists clients with:
- Determining available credits
- Calculating contribution limits
- Coordinating multiple credits
- Tracking documentation requirements
- Maintaining audit-ready records
- Ensuring credits are properly reported
Simply send us your donation receipts and we’ll maintain the documentation needed for your return.
Make Your Arizona Taxes Matter
Arizona’s tax credit programs create a rare opportunity to support organizations making a difference across our state while reducing your Arizona tax liability at the same time.
If you’re unsure which credits are right for you or how much you can contribute, contact your K&A Account Manager or call (602) 776-6350 for personalized guidance.
Looking for our prior-year guide?
View our 2025 Arizona Tax Credits overview