Giving to charities is generally a bad idea

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5. If the government gave a tax credit, it would be different

I would love to be able to spend a dollar on a charity instead of sending the dollar to the IRS.

But they only give you a deduction from your income before you figure the tax, so your charitable dollar only is worth the number of cents in your marginal tax bracket. In essence its a regressive tax policy.

Meanwhile, it helps the government avoid doing what it should be doing. Its buying into the "thousand points of light" bullshit from George H W Bush.

On the other hand, if you feel strongly about the cause, and you know that your money will be well spent, go ahead, especially if it is local and you know what work is being done.