> I have very little incentive to give to charity when 40%+ of my income goes to taxes. It seems like poor use of resources at that point. Some would say that

> I have very little incentive to give to charity when 40%+ of my income goes to taxes. It seems like poor use of resources at that point. Some would say that 40% is itself a poor use of resources. When examples of government inefficiency and outright incompetence surround us, I don't understand why people have such faith in it doing anything else well. > Primarily because there isn't a well developed charity industry for helping the poor as government has taken over this role. If I had 20% extra income and there was a well-run Kiva style system for local poor people in my neighbourhood, I would definitely donate. I don't know what your criteria are, but it seems to me that you're overlooking the innumerable local charities that quietly go about their work helping people every day, with minimal overhead compared to government-run programs. Are there any churches where you live? Do any of them have programs to feed or clothe the needy in the area? Any homeless shelters? Imagine if half of the money you pay in taxes that goes to government-run aid programs were given to these local charities instead.