STORM2K

Apparently, those who donate money this month to tsunami relief may write it off on their taxes this year.

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.ph ... -taxes.inc

Okay, that part I understand -- this year instead of last year...taxes...blah blah blah.

But what I don't get, and never have, is why? What's the point of giving if you want to get something in return? I understand the basic thinking -- they say that if you donate money to charities, it takes away from your "income." Therefore, you get it adjusted based on what you gave. And, since it lowers your "income," you don't pay as much in tax.

But why?

What's the point of being charitable if you want some sort of recognition for it (either monetary or otherwise)? Shouldn't a person simply give freely from their income -- taxed or not?

The point is, you pay less taxes. Most people take their legal deductions (and some take some not-so-legal ones).

Why wouldn't you want to get a tax break if you can? And then you can donate that extra tax savings to the charity of your choice!

I get what Duck is saying, though. And I agree. When you give to something like this, it should be from the heart without thought of "something in return".

unfortunately some do donate for the breaks as much as for the help they can give - having helped the girls found out lots wanted their fund set up as a charitible one then they would give more so they could get the write off.

It would be better if people would donote only out of kindness, but the tax breaks do give people more of an incentive to donate. That's a good thing, regardless of the reason.

I suppose public policy is to encourage giving. One way the gov't has to encourage anything is to give a tax break for it. On the other hand, it's a mechanism for rich fat cats to shelter some of their income, a la Teresa Heinz Kerry.

In reality, generosity should come from the heart, not from incentives.

And in reality, it does. Most people in a position to do so would prefer giving money to a needed cause as opposed to giving money to the government. Either way, they can't keep it.

I quit giving to the United Way years ago because I was forced to do so by my employer AND at that time the local agency wouldn't let me earmark specific targets for the funds.

If I elect to give to the Tsunami disaster relief, it is because I want to help...and no other reason.

Still, if the government was going to tax me for keeping the money for myself, and I really had a generous amount to give, I would take advantage of the tax laws too.

Charitable contributions have always been tax deductible.

Steve

Well, it's better to donate with the intention of getting something in return, than refusing to donate altogether. What's the big deal as long as the person in need of assistance is receiving assistance?

It is an incentive to give, but I know I don't donate just so I can get a few bucks more in my tax refund.

OtherHD wrote:Well, it's better to donate with the intention of getting something in return, than refusing to donate altogether. What's the big deal as long as the person in need of assistance is receiving assistance?

1) Where have you been hiding out lately? (Oops, Billy Joel moment....)

2) How was the Peach Bowl? (Yeah, that's one place you've been...figured that part out. )

3) Since you're a Sheryl Crow fan, Lyle, explain something to me please. In the song "Soak Up The Sun," when she sings, "Got my 45 on so I can rock on," does she mean 45 as in a vinyl single or the SPF of her sunblock. Sorry...just a funny thought I had the other day when I heard the song on the radio and realized that I wasn't sure to which 45 she was referring.

4) To those who thought it -- My thread...I'll hijack it if I wanna!!

5) How come no one ever uses this emoticon???





The following post has been brought to you by the letters E and R...and N and B and C. Can't wait til Must-See-TV gets back to normal!

GalvestonDuck wrote:1) Where have you been hiding out lately? (Oops, Billy Joel moment....)

2) How was the Peach Bowl? (Yeah, that's one place you've been...figured that part out. )

3) Since you're a Sheryl Crow fan, Lyle, explain something to me please. In the song "Soak Up The Sun," when she sings, "Got my 45 on so I can rock on," does she mean 45 as in a vinyl single or the SPF of her sunblock. Sorry...just a funny thought I had the other day when I heard the song on the radio and realized that I wasn't sure to which 45 she was referring.

4) To those who thought it -- My thread...I'll hijack it if I wanna!!

5) How come no one ever uses this emoticon???

1. I was in San Antonio from the 20th to the 26th. I was in Georgia from the 28th to the 2nd. I've just been up and about while at home so I haven't been able to post much. I've been seeing former teachers, old friends, going on dates

2. It was amazing! We were outnumbered in the stands like 4 to 1 but by the 2nd quarter the dome was silent. I also got to see some friends form UM in the band. I had a great time.

3. That's always debated on the Sheryl Crow message board. She's never given an answer, but either guess is a good guess. I'm sure it's meant to be that way.