Eliminate the deductions?

[Guns Guns Guns]

Are too many ‘charities’ political organizations masquerading as do-gooders?


Are churches serving as de facto political organizing arms for conservatives?


If someone gives money to a secular political group or union, they don’t get a tax deduction.


If people want to give money to these organizations, it’s their right to do so.


But the taxpayers shouldn’t have to subsidize those activities, should we?

 

[Phantasmal]

I am for a fair tax. I believe this would eliminate most deductions.

 

[Disillusioned]

Are too many ‘charities’ political organizations masquerading as do-gooders?


Are churches serving as de facto political organizing arms for conservatives?


If someone gives money to a secular political group or union, they don’t get a tax deduction.


If people want to give money to these organizations, it’s their right to do so.


But the taxpayers shouldn’t have to subsidize those activities, should we?

The deductions are there for the following reasoning.

The government gives money to charities it likes.
This money is the peoples.
Some people don't like certain charities.
They feel they should be able to choose where their charity money goes.
Therefore when they give money to charities of their choice, they don't want the government taking that money and giving it to charities they don't like.

If you remove deductions for donations to charity, remove all of them. If you don't like people taking deductions for money given to the church that's against abortion. Then don't expect a reduction for giving money to the organization that's pro gay marriage. I trust my judgement on where my charity money goes, far more than the government's judgement.

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

remove all of them

 

[Canceled.2014.1]

I am for a fair tax. I believe this would eliminate most deductions.

The Fair tax Act removes all deductions, since it is a consumption tax.

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

I wonder how many of the supposedly "religious" charitable givers would continue their largess if it didn't save them tax?

 

[Canceled.2014.1]

I think there should still be deductions (if we maintain the current tax system) for donations to religious organizations. But I think there should be some oversight by the gov't into how much of the church's income is spent in charitable endeavors and how much in political campaigning, ect. Tax the churches on whatever they spend in political campaigning. That would quickly cure that issue.

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

I think there should still be deductions (if we maintain the current tax system) for donations to religious organizations. But I think there should be some oversight by the gov't into how much of the church's income is spent in charitable endeavors and how much in political campaigning, ect. Tax the churches on whatever they spend in political campaigning. That would quickly cure that issue.

Can you explain why the government should forfeit tax revenues in order to fund religious organizations?

 

[Damocles]

I wonder how many of the supposedly "religious" charitable givers would continue their largess if it didn't save them tax?

I don't know about others, but I don't claim any of our donations on our taxes.

 

[Damocles]

Can you explain why the government should forfeit tax revenues in order to fund religious organizations?

If they provide a service that otherwise would be provided by government it would be worth it.

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

I don't know about others, but I don't claim any of our donations on our taxes.

Classy.

It's a privilege to live in this nation and have the means to bless other in need.

Again, this is why Damo stands head and shoulders above what passes for 'conservative' in most situations, IMO.

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

If they provide a service that otherwise would be provided by government it would be worth it.

But is it justifiable constitutionally?

BTW, the government has an obligation to provide services on an equal basis. Can you guarantee the same impartiality for all charitable organizations?

Practically speaking, it seems we get more "bang for the buck" with government service providers.

Imagine giving a tax deduction to the Knights Templar if they waged our wars.

 

[Canceled.2014.1]

Can you explain why the government should forfeit tax revenues in order to fund religious organizations?

For many of the charitable works of religious organizations, we get more bang for our buck thru religious organizations. Look at how much of the money actually gets to the people in need. For many religious groups, they provide staffing and other overhead from the general funds, so any specific donations will reach the needs in greater amounts.

 

[Canceled.2014.1]

I don't know about others, but I don't claim any of our donations on our taxes.

Nor do we.

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

For many of the charitable works of religious organizations, we get more bang for our buck thru religious organizations. Look at how much of the money actually gets to the people in need. For many religious groups, they provide staffing and other overhead from the general funds, so any specific donations will reach the needs in greater amounts.

Got any facts that support that opinion?

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

Nor do we.

How modest you are.

 

[Canceled.2014.1]

How modest you are.

You mean I'm not bragging about it?

 

[Damocles]

But is it justifiable constitutionally?

Yes, it shouldn't matter to the government if it is a religious institution.

BTW, the government has an obligation to provide services on an equal basis. Can you guarantee the same impartiality for all charitable organizations?

Practically speaking, it seems we get more "bang for the buck" with government service providers.

Imagine giving a tax deduction to the Knights Templar if they waged our wars.

You would pay them directly, not give a deduction. At least that appears to be the current trend.

As for "bang for the buck" we seem to get more out of institutions with less administrative costs than government. As for "equal", the government is there to fill in the "gaps"...

The idea that the federal government needs to provide "services" at the level we currently do has bankrupted older nations who fell into that path...

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

You mean I'm not bragging about it?

You mean you're not bragging about it?

 

[Guns Guns Guns]

Yes, it shouldn't matter to the government if it is a religious institution.

It shouldn't? Should religious charities receive special consideration?

You would pay them directly, not give a deduction. At least that appears to be the current trend.

Can you explain?

As for "bang for the buck" we seem to get more out of institutions with less administrative costs than government. As for "equal", the government is there to fill in the "gaps"...

I disagree. Ever heard of economy of scale?

The idea that the federal government needs to provide "services" at the level we currently do has bankrupted older nations who fell into that path...

Name one, please.