Comments on: Why I Am Not Claiming My Donation To The Haiti Relief Effort.

By: David/Your finances 101

David/Your finances 101 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:56:11 +0000

Quite a noble thought–and it makes sense.

I write off every little bit of “goods” that I donate. However, like the author, I do not write off cash donations.

It really is a great point.

For once, I’ll refrain from getting every dime back that I can from the government.

By: Counseling the Detour | University of Wisconsin – Green Bay | Educational Wisconsin

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:00:08 +0000

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By: David

David — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:39:18 +0000

They want government out of their lives…until they want something back for helping those in need. Listen, everyone can do what they want – this is what I do because I feel like it’s the right thing to do for me.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:36:50 +0000

It is amazing how upset people are getting about your tax deductions. I have to say I agree with you. I do not put down charitable contributions on my taxes at all. I give because I want to and I feel that it is the right thing to do. I also give anonymously because I don’t want any recognition I just want to help people out. Shouldn’t that be what it is all about? People helping out each other? Why get the gov’t involved in that?

By: TaxNEWS | Mortgage Interest Tax Credit | Credit Finance Wisdom

TaxNEWS | Mortgage Interest Tax Credit | Credit Finance Wisdom — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:21:48 +0000

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By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:20:59 +0000

@David I disagree with that, doesn’t mean you can’t get nothing in return. This reminds me of an old Friends episode where Phoebe has the same thoughts as you. Then she helped someone out and one of the characters asked her how she feels, and she says “I feel really good about myself” and they said that’s selfish then. It was a joke because the reality is if you are helping you are helping. The people in Haiti could care less what the intentions behind any donations are, they just would like relief help.

By: David

David — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:16:04 +0000

Thank you Wil – that’s exactly it. Doing good means that you aren’t looking for something in return.

By: Wil

Wil — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:07:19 +0000

David:

As a Conservative who doesn’t like giving more to the government than absolutely necessary, I think you got it right.

Many who are criticizing you are missing the point. At one time in history, people used to do good things because it was the right thing to do. There was no re-payment. Besides, unless you are really working with Bill and Melinda Gates’ type numbers, the extra effort probably doesn’t make that much difference to your tax bill.

TML has a point, but not one that relates to your point.

By: David

David — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:50:33 +0000

Mr “Tough Money” – Enough with the negativity and attacks. Do I attack you for being concerned with only making money, which I could care less about? How does my decision on this effect you at all?

Thanks for the thoughts on this, everyone else. An opinion, or a choice, is just that – a choice. This effects no one but me, and I am more than willing to listen to what the rest of you had to say about why I should or shouldn’t do this, or what the benefit of either choice would be. So thank you!

By: JoeTaxpayer

JoeTaxpayer — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:41:03 +0000

I didn’t make a donation “to get the deduction.” But, in the big picture, the donations add up, and I’d rather decide where my money goes than let the government decide. So, in theory, if you were inclined to donate $1000 in cash, why not donate $1250 instead and take the Sch A deduction? Better the extra $250 goes to charity that Uncle Sam.