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One of the fundamental problems with taxes (other than the waste, corruption and pork barrel projects) is that relative to philanthropy or investing, there is z
by somethoughts 6y ago
One of the fundamental problems with taxes (other than the waste, corruption and pork barrel projects) is that relative to philanthropy or investing, there is zero information provided back to the donor as to what their contribution enabled.
Investing in Tesla you can claim you are saving the world with renewable energy. With charity, likely it is clear to you as the donor that you are doing something to help the world.
With taxes, you mail your check in and nothing. There is certainly no thank you note or glimmer of recognition. But in reality, particularly if you look at the state level budgets, it's likely the impact dollar for dollar has a very high potential for helping a lot of people when its used for education, healthcare and the environment.
Perhaps the trick is, as tax donors, we have to look for the impact ourselves and mentally take credit for the impact we are having on other people's lives.
And perhaps governments need to figure out how to make taxpayer understand in personal terms how they're dollars are being used for good. Then maybe people will enjoy paying tax donations (and maybe even pay a bit more) versus actively working to avoid taxes.
- yladiz 6y agoWhat is a "tax donation"?
- somethoughts 6y agoIts a simple mental re-framing technique that any tax payer can personally do themselves to understand their critical contribution to the society in which they live in come tax day. Since its a completely personal thing - it can be done regardless of whether tax payments are by the government coerced or not.
- searchableguy 6y ago> One of the fundamental problems with taxes (other than the waste, corruption and pork barrel projects) is that relative to philanthropy or investing, there is zero information provided back to the donor as to what their contribution enabled. > Investing in Tesla you can claim you are saving the world with renewable energy. With charity, likely it is clear to you as the donor that you are doing something to help the world. Great point. Many developed countries (Australia?) does provide you information on where your taxes were spent. https://i.redd.it/rwvwqq26j3e31.jpg https://i.redd.it/rwvwqq26j3e31.jpg
- somethoughts 6y agoThis is very cool!
- em500 6y agoIt doesn't look that different from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56324 https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56324 (with breakdowns in https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56325 https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56325 and https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56326 https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56326).