Thousands of Californians like the arts, even when they're doing their taxes. At least that's the indication from the more than 10,000 taxpayers who donated over $160,000 to the Arts Council Fund on their tax returns in 2011 to support arts for California's children and communities. The "Tax Checkoff for the Arts" program continues in 2012, and the California Arts Council has set a goal of at least $250,000 in donations.
"The Tax Checkoff for the Arts program gives most Californians an easy and very direct way to improve arts and cultural programs in the state," says Craig Watson, director of the California Arts Council. "Even small donations add up in ways that help keep the arts alive in our schools and local communities."
The 2011 tax return form (to complete in 2012) from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) will allow California taxpayers to contribute to the "Arts Council Fund" in the "Voluntary Contribution" portion of the form. The Arts Council Fund was included after the passage of SB 1076 by Senator Curren Price in 2009, citing the importance of the arts for California and the anticipated desire by Californians to directly contribute to the arts.
Individuals may make tax-deductible contributions in amounts of $1 or more. Arts supporters who use accounting services should tell their tax preparers about contributing to the California Arts Council, and encourage others to pursue this opportunity to support California arts.
Individuals interested in detailed information on the Franchise Tax Board's voluntary contribution should contact Marilyn Nielsen, deputy director, at 916-322-6404 or mnielsen@cac.ca.gov. For more information on the California Arts Council, please go to www.arts.ca.gov.
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The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the Arts and Creativity. Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Malissa Feruzzi Shriver, Vice Chair William Turner, Wylie Aitken, Michael Alexander, Andrew Green, Adam Hubbard, Charmaine Jefferson, Terry Lenihan, Susan Steinhauser, and Rosalind Wyman.
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