Charitable Deduction | Federal | Press Releases | Federal Legislation
Apr 16, 2012
Senate Votes Down Buffett Rule
In an expected move, the Senate voted down the Buffett Rule today by a vote of 51 to 45. 60 votes were needed. The Buffett Rule levy’s a minimum tax of 30% on higher-income earners and, for purposes of this tax, eliminates all credits and deductions except for the charitable deduction. By singling out the charitable deduction, supporters of the bill acknowledge that the charitable deduction is different from all other deductions and credits because it is the only incentive designed to encourage Americans to give away their money. However, ACR believes that entrepreneurship and wealth-creation is vital to sustaining charitable giving. A minimum tax levied on high-income earners ultimately leaves them with less to give and it is these Americans that, study after study has shown, give the most. ACR looks forward to many further conversations with decision makers in the coming months about how we can encourage private giving, not reverse it.