Why should I give to charity? I already pay tax!

1. 71

   grumpiornotposted 12 years ago

   Here is my problem... As a young business owner, I already pay approximately 60% of my earnings to tax and yet society expects people to contribute to charities and the poor.
   
   But why? I already contribute far more than I use because in the country I live in, it is advisable to pay for and use private healthcare, education, transport and pension.
   
   Why must I now also give to the poor? Sod them, I give enough.

   replyreport
   1. 72

      jacharlessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yeats & Keating! 60% is a bit excessive.
      As of now, I end complaining about 30% combined state-federal taxation.
      Thank you, Mr Grumpiornot.
      James.

      replyreport
      1. 71

         grumpiornotposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Just pay the 30% and smile! Thanks for your comment James.

         replyreport
   2. 66

      JustMikeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Society doesn't expect you to give to charity. If you don't want to give or can't afford to then don't. Because if you are forced to give it's just another tax. But something is making you feel like you should do it and I think that is your own self conscious. That's another thing altogether. So if you can afford it by all means give or if you want to then give but if you don't want to or if you can't afford it then don't.

      replyreport
2. 77

   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   Out of the goodness of your heart and through empathy with those suffer far greater misfortunes than your own.

   replyreport
3. 76

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   Hey...charitable donations are tax deductible...
   
   But, I agree with why psycheskinner says...

   replyreport
   1. 71

      grumpiornotposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Well played sir! That covers both angles

      replyreport
4. 58

   udontnomiposted 12 years ago

   I see you were a lawyer. They still ream you that hard? Do we sit still for the desecration? I am for a straight tax of 10%. No returns for those who do not contribute. They qualify for assistance and training. The money for social services can be mustered from the private sector by churches and other humane service providers. Their opulent "ministries" and lifestyle testifies to thisIndividuals are hoarding the take. A good rule of thumb is 10%. If you are a person of means, then hold another 10% to give directly into the hand of those in need who you my encounter in your routine or travels.  The rest should be enough to live on and prepare for the future.
   
   When we readily adopt this or a similar model, we be well on our way to having a happy, healthy society.

   replyreport
5. 60

   SomewayOuttaHereposted 12 years ago

   charity is not just about poverty....non-profit groups or charitable groups have been formed for a variety of reasons.  In N.A. for example, the MS Society has been formed to provide assistance to folks with multiple sclerosis (and their family members); the red cross; heart and stroke, groups who target and support the elderly for various reasons such as for advocacy purposes; the canadian national institute for the blind; etc etc etc some of these groups specialize and may be the only place for folks to turn to for information and support etc.
   
   many folks don't realize how often NPO's and charitable groups are used for various reasons whether or not a person accessing the service has the funds to pay or not for the service.  for example, if a family member became ill and is in their home rather than a hospital, the red cross will provide a bed, wheel chair or whatever may be needed on a temporary basis  i'm glad many of these groups are around...one day i could need the services of the CNIB or MS or Red Cross or any one of the various cancer societies.
   
   The Red Cross helps people all over the world especially in times of crisis.  Cheers to the Red Cross!
   
   i just wanted to clear up the misconception about the charitable sector - it's not just about poverty.
   
   As for whether or not to donate to one of these groups  - well, that's entirely up to the individual.....

   replyreport
   1. 71

      grumpiornotposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your comment, SomewayOuttaHere.
      You raise a very valid point - my comment was directed more in irritation at the huge wasteful expenditure of our ruling political party here in South Africa.
      The propaganda spouted here is that the government works toward helping the poor but the reality is that they simply continue to enrich themselves and their friends on a disgusting level.
      But i hear you - the waste of some individuals should not detriment those genuinely in need.

      replyreport
6. 0

   Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

   If you don't want to give to charity, then don't cut loose with your bucks.  Simple as that.  I don't know why you even mention taxes.  When you give time or money to a charity, it's all about giving a gift.  Obviously, you aren't interested in giving, so what's the big deal???

   replyreport
   1. 71

      grumpiornotposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Arlene, see my comment above... It's not about not wanting to give. It's about not wanting to throw money away and wanting it used for good where it is spent. Even if that expenditure is unwilling in the form of imposed taxes.
      Happy hubbing

      replyreport
7. 76

   Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

   I agree. Charity is voluntary. No one but you need know how much you donate and to whom. The nice thing is you get to choose which group(s) get your support.
   If you don't like the idea of helping people through charity you cans till be charitable and  give to nonprofits for animals, disease research, nature conservancy -- all kinds of worthy causes!

   replyreport
   1. 71

      grumpiornotposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the comment Mighty Mom - I like your hubbing name, all Moms are mighty!

      replyreport