General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Just did my taxes and I feel ashamed [View all]goldent
(1,582 posts)would be to figure out how much more you should have paid in taxes, and donate that money to a charity of your choice. Maybe a charity related to something you think the government should be doing more about - it could be help for the homeless or very poor, medical research, education programs, etc. It's like directing where your taxes should be spent.
The thing about this is you will get a tax deduction next year on this charitable gift, and so you can give even more. This is known as "grossing up." Say you are in the 28% marginal tax rate. And say you think you should have paid $10,000 more in taxes this year. You can actually donate 10000/(1-.28) = $13889 this year which will account for the 10000 you underpaid in taxes this year, and account for the deduction you will get next year.