In a stunning move by former George W. Bush press secretary, Ari Fleischer tweeted Tuesday that he will be giving far less to charity in 2013 due to new tax rules from the fiscal cliff bill. A January 2, 2013 article by Huffington Post lays out the current debate over how the resolution will affect tax deductions for charitable giving. Though not entirely clear what the full extent of the new laws will be concerning tax breaks, many dissenters are already voicing their dislike of the possible fallout.
Showing his true colors concerning his reasons for donating to charity, Ari Fleischer tweeted “I increased donations to charity in 2012. This deal limits my deductions so I & many others will likely donate less in 2013.” Though there has been back-lash against this increasingly popular GOP sentiment from several non-profit leaders among others. Charity and donations to non-profits are there for far more than just a quick tax dodge.
The limit that Fleischer is talking about in his mini-rant applies to individuals making above $250,000 or married couples making $300,000 or more. The intention, according to The New York Times, is to save the government nearly $50 billion in tax breaks.
It is unknown what the full effect of this gamble on the altruism of millionaires will be on the philanthropic landscape of the United States in the coming year, though one can hope that the intention of charity isn’t always about what giving can do for the giver.
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