• Flying Squid@lemmy.worldOP
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    7 months ago

    That’s the whole idea behind “philanthropic foundations.” Rich people benefit from “charity” by getting huge tax write-offs.

    And then the government decides that society can depend on those charities rather than any sort of social safety net.

    • oce 🐆@jlai.lu
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      7 months ago

      They get a huge tax write-off but they are still giving up at least the same money aren’t they? The issue is rather that these foundations may benefit them in another way, for example by providing a salary to their family and friends, if I understand that correctly.

      • InfiniteStruggle@sh.itjust.works
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        7 months ago

        Exactly. A portion of the money is funnelled back to them. Social events for networking become tax write offs when they add a “Help the kids” box out front.

      • UpperBroccoli@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        7 months ago

        Not necessarily. There are a lot of scams involving charity. Here’s a small, ad-hoc made-up example to illustrate:

        • Buy cheap artwork from obscure artist for $500
        • Wait a while
        • Buy an expert expertise that says your art is super revolutionary and worth $5.000.000
        • Donate that super important piece of art to some charity or museum or whatever
        • Write off $5.000.000 in taxes
        • oce 🐆@jlai.lu
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          7 months ago

          Is it really possible to write off based on estimated art value rather than initial price?