FAQ
– TOPS (Tuition Organization for Private Schools)
Tuition Organization for Private Schools is a student tuition organization
formed to specialize in helping
parents in the state of Arizona maximize their tuition dollars through
the use of the tuition tax
credit program.
How is TOPS unique?
TOPS pays out the tuition dollars it receives on a monthly basis. The
organization comes to each school and helps form a specialized fundraising
plan. They will go to supporting churches, organizations, and community
programs to promote the benefits of the tuition tax credit program.
How do I contribute?
Fill out the online form to redirect your tax dollars via a Visa, Mastercard
or Discover credit card. To contribute by check, fill out the form in
the brochure or print out the online form and write a check for the amount
you want to contribute. You may leave the recommendation area blank (this
money goes in the general fund to be distributed to the neediest students),
recommend a school or recommend a student. Any recommendation is distributed
at the total discretion of the Selection Committee.
How much may I contribute?
If you are married and filing jointly you are allowed to contribute up
to $1,000 and if you are a single head of household your allowable contribution
is $500.
May we contribute the $400 to the public school extra curricular
donation and $1,000 to the private school donation and get $1,400 back
from the state?
Yes, you can contribute to both funds.
May I contribute less than the allowable limit?
Yes, you can contribute any dollar amount up to the allowable limits.
Anything over that amount will be considered a contribution and can be
claimed on your taxes as a charitable donation or roll it over to the
next taxable year.
Can I deduct my tax credit as a contribution on my federal taxes?
You can if you itemize your taxes. Check with your accountant for specifics.
What if I contribute more than my taxable income?
The balance is rolled over to the following year for the tax credit and
you have up to five years to utilize the credit.
What if I am entitled to a tax refund?
You will get the tax refund and the tuition tax credit as well.
Does the contribution have to be made in one lump sum or can it
be paid over time?
You can send any amount you want each month and at the end of the year
you will receive an itemized statement.
How do I get the tax credit back?
You will receive a statement of what you paid in to TOPS by the end of
January, then you will need to fill out an Arizona tax form 301, an Arizona
tax form 323, and file the form(s) which are applicable along with a copy
of the statement with your Arizona tax form.
How much money that I contribute actually goes to the grant/scholarship?
No less than 90% of all money donated goes to the grant/scholarship. The
remaining amount is used by TOPS for administrative purposes.
How often are awards made?
Awards will be made at least each month.
As a recipient what do I need to receive a grant/scholarship?
Fill out the student application for each child eligible and either send
it in with all requested information
or fill out the application online, print it out and send it with the
requested information. All applications
should be in no later than the end of the month if you expect to receive
any scholarship money for that month.
Why do I have to submit the first and second pages of last year’s
tax return?
TOPS uses the current Federal tax forms in a formula for the Selection
Committee to determine the distribution of funds. All tax return information
is held in the strictest confidence and is only seen by the TOPS staff
and selection committee.
What factors go into the consideration of awarding a scholarship?
Three factors: the financial circumstances of the applicant, the Parent
Profile that is provided by each family and the availability of funds
for any given time.
What if I leave the school during the school year?
Depending on the scholarship you may be subject to the school’s
financial plan for paying for an incomplete month. If you go to another
private school the funds will follow you to that school. If you choose
a public school or charter school the funds will return to TOPS.
May my child receive funds from more than student tax organization?
Yes, but check with each organization as they have particular restrictions
and deadlines to meet.
May we make an arrangement with another parent for each to recommend
the other’s child?
No, that violates the intent of the law that states you cannot designate
one’s own child.
Does this law apply to states other than Arizona?
No, this law only applies to the state of Arizona. Only those who pay
Arizona state income tax can contribute and only those enrolled in a private
school in the state of Arizona can receive scholarships.
To learn more, visit www.topsforkids.com.
42212 North 41st Drive, Anthem, AZ 85086 | 623.551.7808 | f 623.551.7809 | Contact Us