Advent Offering 2017
VISION:This December, Redemption Tucson continues its annual commitment to give above and beyond towards our Outward Focus Ministries. As in previous years, we ask that you consider giving generously to love and serve our neighbors: Close, Near, and Far. There are two ways you can donate:(1) Give financially (check, cash, or online) by indicating "Advent" on your donation. These donations will be evenly be distributed among the following partner ministries (Click links for more info):
- CLOSE: Our 6 Local Outward Focus Ministries
- NEAR: Hustle PHX
- FAR: Champions in Action (Guatemala)
(2) Give toys to the kids here at Safford Elementary by bringing toy donations to Sunday Service and placing them in the box in the lobby.--------------------------------------------------------------DETAILS ON ARIZONA CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:Arizona law provides several tax benefits for certain charitable contributions. Specifically, if you meet certain criteria (a primary one of which is whether you have any tax liability to Arizona), you can receive a tax credit for these charitable contributions. A tax credit is better than a tax deduction, as a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar offset against your tax liability. Thus, the credit replaces the tax you owe. If, however, you have already withheld more than what you owed, the credit can result in an increase in your state tax refund. Furthermore, not only can you recoup the amount you contributed from your state tax return, it also allows you to report a charitable contribution on your federal tax return, which can also lower your federal taxes if you itemize.There are several types of contributions that receive this special treatment in Arizona, and many of these align with Redemption Tucson’s outward focused ministries. For example:• Foster Care Charitable Tax Credit – Individual (up to $500), Joint ($1000)o More information at: https://www.azdor.gov/Portals/0/RefundCredits/CertifiedFosterCareCharities2017.pdf• Public School Extra-curricular Credit – Individual (up to $200), Joint (up to $400)o More information at: https://www.azdor.gov/TaxCredits/SchoolTaxCreditsforIndividuals.aspx• Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organizations – Individuals (up to $400), Joint (up to $800)o More information at: https://www.azdor.gov/Portals/0/RefundCredits/CertifiedCharities2017.pdfSpecifically, the foster care charitable tax credit assists foster care and adoption agencies in Arizona working to address our state’s foster care crisis. The Public School Extra-curricular Credit can be directed to schools throughout the state to be used in their extra-curricular programs. Please consider whether some or all of your donation might be directed to Safford School. Finally, the Qualifying Charitable Organizations include our outward focused ministries of Hands of Hope Tucson (caring for women facing unplanned pregnancies) and Free Ever After (combatting sex trafficking).If you’d like additional helpful information about how these contributions work, there are several websites that provide guidance, such as this one: https://www.sensiblemoney.com/learn/arizona-tax-credits-2016/Many of these contributions must be made by December 31, 2017, to be claimed on your 2017 tax returns, so please consider what contributions you may be able to make before the year’s end.If you have any questions about the Advent Offering please email out Outward Focus Director David Wagner.