To the editor: Your vital editorial on the decline in People’ charitable giving lately fails to say the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, one of many largest causes of the decline.
Whereas the legislation retained the deduction for charitable items, it dramatically decreased the inducement to take action for all however the wealthiest by roughly doubling the usual deduction for people and married {couples} submitting collectively. It is because charitable contributions can solely be deducted by taxpayers who itemize their deductions.
After the legislation went into impact in 2018, it predictably resulted in a 1.7% drop in charitable giving the next 12 months. Not surprisingly, small particular person contributions suffered the toughest. Solely the best earners, who usually tend to itemize to start with, maintained a powerful benefit in making charitable donations.
Up to now, congressional makes an attempt at an answer have been poorly designed and ineffective. It wants to assist nonprofits which are affected by this decline in contributions by reinvigorating charitable giving. Along with rolling again the rise in the usual deduction, the very best answer can be some type of a common charitable deduction.
As somebody closely concerned within the arts nonprofit sector, I imagine this might drastically enhance our skill to draw and retain donors and assist these we serve.
Michael Stanley, North Hollywood
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To the editor: I learn your editorial at a time after I had simply contacted a nonprofit and requested to be faraway from its mailing and cellphone lists. I’m a senior citizen who likes to offer to sure organizations, however a few of them can get grasping.
Just lately, I dedicated to giving a greenback quantity, so I despatched a verify. Inside every week or so, that group began asking for extra. It acknowledged my preliminary dedication, however its mailer made some extent of claiming it will be good if I gave extra.
Like many People, I’m inundated with organizations asking for donations. Sadly, I now deal with most of their mails as junk. I really feel assured that I’m not alone.
I do not need to cease giving, however organizations needs to be extra thoughtful of their donors.
Diane Hunn, Camarillo
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To the editor: I imagine there’s a direct correlation between the decline in giving and the decline in faith on this nation. The second most typical spiritual affiliation amongst younger individuals in the USA at this time is “none.”
That is additionally per research exhibiting that spiritual persons are extra seemingly to offer than non-religious individuals.
John Pate, Santa Barbara