March 4, 2008

‘Checkoff California Month’ declared to encourage
Californians to make a difference at tax time

Governor Schwarzenegger encourages all Californians to participate in state’s voluntary tax check-off program.

To remind Californians how simple it is to make a contribution to one or more of the 11 charitable funds participating in the state’s voluntary tax check-off program, the month of March has been declared Checkoff California Month.

“I encourage everyone filing their California tax return to consider checking-off a few boxes to fund some great causes,” stated California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in his message for Checkoff California Month. “The check-off program is a fantastic way to make a positive difference in our state, and best of all, it is convenient and voluntary.”

California is one of 41 states that allow taxpayers to make a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution to one or more worthwhile causes in the “Contributions” section of their state tax return.  Since 1984, California’s tax check-off program has raised $81 million and provided critical funding to a diverse range of public health, social service, and environmental protection programs. 

The 11 funds participating in California’s tax check-off program are: the Alzheimer’s Disease/Related Disorders Fund, the California Breast Cancer Research Fund, the California Firefighters’ Memorial Fund, the California Military Family Relief Fund, the California Fund for Senior Citizens, the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Fund, the California Sea Otter Fund (sea otters are an endangered species), the California Seniors Special Fund, the California State Children’s Trust Fund, the Rare and Endangered Species Prevention and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

The annual Checkoff California media campaign reaches out to taxpayers and tax preparers to deliver the message that, regardless of income, everyone can help.  Media partners include the Northern California Broadcasters Association and the Southern California Broadcasters Association.

Corporate sponsorship of Checkoff California for the second consecutive year is provided by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation nationwide, with more than 360 locations throughout California.