All tax publications are available at http://www.azdor.gov/Publications.aspx
State Income Tax
Arizona imposes a graduated income tax similar to the Federal Income Tax in structure. Returns are due April 15. 2011 tax rates range from 0.8% to 5.1% of Arizona Adjusted Gross Income.
Deductions and Exemptions
You may take a standard deduction or you may itemize deductions.
Graduated Tax Scale
Income tax is calculated on a variable scale based on income level.
Contact: Arizona Department of Revenue
1600 W. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9032
602-542-1991
www.aztaxes.gov
Retail Sales/Transaction Privilege Tax
Effective June 1, 2010 the Arizona sales tax rate for retail purchases is 6.6%. Maricopa County adds on .7% sales tax to support roads and jails. That's a total of 7.3%. Then, each city may add sales tax (e.g. Phoenix - 2%, Scottsdale - 1.65%). If you add the total of the Arizona sales tax and Maricopa County sales tax, 7.3%, to the city sales tax rate, you'll get the total retail sales tax that you'll pay when purchasing merchandise in that city.
Arizona does not charge sales tax on food purchased at retail outlets for home consumption (grocery stores). Cities are allowed to do so, and almost all of them do, with the exception of Mesa and Surprise.
School Tax Credit
A credit equal to a $200 contribution by a single taxpayer of head of household or $400 contribution for joint filers is offered by the state.
Estate, Inheritance & Gift Taxes
Residents pay no estate, gift, inheritance or poll tax. Contact:
Estate Tax Division
1600 W. Monroe, Phoeni
602-542-4643
Vehicle/Gasoline Taxes
The state imposes an annual motor vehicle license tax in lieu of personal property tax.
Maricopa County Assessor
301 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix
602-506-3406
www.maricopa.gov/assessor
Homeowner's Exemption
602-506-3406
Every person over the age of 18 residing in Arizona is entitled to the Homestead Exemption. Homeowners do not need to take any action to assert the exemption because the exemption attaches by operation of Arizona law. The Homestead exempts a single family home, condo, cooperative or mobile home in which the person resides, from attachment, execution and forces sale due to a non-consensual judgment or lien, up to $150,000 in value or equity.
New to Arizona
For voter registration, vehicle registration, or to change your address, go to www.servicearizona.com
Registering a new Business
Visit www.aztaxes.gov for a step-by-step guide for expanding, relocating, and other details to starting or growing your business in Arizona.
Records
It is advised to maintain your records related to the payment of taxes, documentation of deductions, and any other pertinent information for a minimum of four years after each business year.
Important Numbers
Arizona Tax Assistance
602-255-3381
Property Tax
602-716-6843
IRS (www.irs.gov)
1-800-829-1040 (individual)
1-800-829-4933 (business)
Mailing Income Tax Returns
Expecting a refund or paying no tax:
P.O. Box 52138 - Phoenix, AZ 85072-2138
If your return has a barcode with no payment or refund:
P.O. Box 29205 - Phoenix, AZ 85038-9205
Tax returns with payment:
P.O. Box 52016 - Phoenix, AZ 85072-2016
If your return has a barcode with payment:
P.O.Box 29204 - Phoenix, AZ 85038-9204
Pet Licenses
All dogs must be licensed. All new dogs must be registered and vaccinated for rabies within 30 days of arriving in-state. Contact:
Maricopa County Animal Care
602-506-PETS
www.pets.maricopa.gov
Boating, Fishing & Hunting Licenses
Arizona requires licenses for fishing, hunting and boating. For detailed information contact:
AZ Game & Fish Department, Mesa
480-981-9400
Motor Vehicle Information
Driver's License
As soon as you've established residency, you must get a state driver's license. Go to any DMV office with all necessary documents. You will take a vision test and may also be asked to take the written test and driving test. Fees vary.
Vehicle Registration
You must register and title all vehicles. You will pay motor vehicle taxes (replacing personal property taxes) plus a registration fee. You must complete emissions testing before registering your vehicle and obtain proof of state vehicle insurance. Bring you out-of -state driver's license; SSN card; vehicle title and lien papers; current vehicle registration and proof of age.
For more information, including DMV locations, contact:
Arizona Department of Transportation
602-255-0072
www.servicearizona.com
For emissions confirmation, contact:
Car Care Hotline
800-284-7748
www.myazcar.com
Proof of Insurance
Your vehicle must be insured for bodily injury and property damage before you can register it. For specifics, call or visit online:
Arizona Department of Insurance
602-364-2499
www.id.state.az.us
Safety First!
All drivers and passengers must use safety belts when riding in a passenger vehicle on state roads. All children under five years old weighing less than 40 pounds must sit in a secured child safety seat.
Voter Registration
To register, you must be a U.S. citizen who will be 18 years of age or older prior to the regular general election following registration and an Arizona resident for 29 days preceding the election.
To request absentee ballots or early voting ballots, contact:
Maricopa County
Department of Elections, Phoenix
602-506-1511
www.recorder.maricopa.gov
State of Arizona
Secretary of State, Phoenix
1-877-THE-VOTE
www.azsos.gov