Tax Credit Helps Swift Shift Paradigms

​As 2016 winds to a close, we start to anticipate the end of year rush that includes trying to fit everything in – shopping for gifts, finals, holiday cards, parties, vacations and yes, tax credits.
 
Your tax advisor will tell you to max out your tax credits to reduce your tax liability.
 
I will tell you that the charitable tax credit boosts your conscience in addition to your pocketbook.
 
At Swift Youth Foundation, the tax credit literally helps fund experiences that embrace positivity, change and philanthropy.
 
Justin, now a grown man, credits Swift with helping him escape his old gang alive and start a new life. He went to Swift overnight camp on a whim at the urging of a police officer at his school. He had never known a life other than one surrounded by gangs and drugs. He went on to be accepted to the naval academy and Berkley School of music, graduating high school with honors and scholarships.

At Swift, the tax credit helps fund experiences that inspire education.
 
Then there is Martha, who at 11-years-old fell in love with Swift only to fall into the wrong crowd in high school. Somehow she found herself back at Swift’s after school programs and found the courage to pursue college and find a passion – she is now studying to be a science teacher thanks to a Boys & Girls Club scholarship that Swift helped her identify.
 
At Swift, the tax credit helps redirect lives.
 
Lastly, Javi grew up during the “no child left behind” era and feels that Swift actually walked that talk. At the age of 8, Swift made him feel important in a tremendously comforting environment, with respect being the cornerstone that he embraced. That respect ignited his self-esteem that helped him combat peer pressure, which in turn led to scholarships for private high school and out-of-state college.  Swift inspired him to return to Swift well into his 20s and motivated his passion to continue volunteering for Swift and many other organizations.
 
At Swift, the tax credit compels individuals to pay their experiences forward.
 
These are just a few of the many stories that come out of the Swift experience. Yet, more than stories, they are real people contributing to society through goals, education, careers and even volunteerism.
 
As the year draws to a close, you can make a difference with an $800 married, filing jointly/$400 individual tax credit (please note that these dollar amounts doubled this year), or you can pay the state more in tax. Please consider Swift as you talk to your tax advisor about Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit. It’s a win-win donation that not only boosts your pocketbook; it will boost your outlook as it redirects other lives like Justin, Martha and Javi.