OK I am not a tax attorney but I don't understand

[SoutherDem]

One of the new Rethug talking points is if you consider his charitable donations he actually paid 35% or 40%. I understand how charitable donations are tax deductible but how much would those donations have to be to get his taxes up 20 to 25%? Also, I have a question is it good to skip taxes to a church which clearly has a political agenda and will/do mobilize their members to control the vote, remember California's gay marriage vote?

[tk2kewl]

1. it's a total B.S. talking point

do i get to choose to give 25% of my income to greenpeace and none to the MIC. of course not. Charity != Tax.

[Wounded Bear]

2. First off, it's a lie....

Charitable donations don't directly reduce your tax rate, they lower your AGI (adjusted gross income). So donations could get one to a lower tax bracket, but still it does not equate to a dollar for dollar reduction in tax burden-or conversely, increase your "supposed" tax payments.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. I'm already sick of that talking point. Charities don't build bridges, roads, pay for

police and the federal protection agencies, at least not in America. Taxes pay for those things and charties help people acquire the food, shelter, and care they need.

[GeorgeGist]

4. If you consider that profits are taxes ...