The problem is that we use the tax code as a carrot/stick to cause people and companies to take actions that we want to see. Want a company to donate to charit

The problem is that we use the tax code as a carrot/stick to cause people and companies to take actions that we want to see. Want a company to donate to charity, or use carbon-neutral energy, or invest in R&D, or take on debt with interest to grow? Tax rebate! But then they do those things and pay $0 in taxes.