The Congressional testimony provides a framework for thinking about the role of the charitable deduction in the federal income tax. As changes to the deduction are weighed by policymakers, it is important to consider: (1) the existing characteristics and policy tenets of the charitable...

Leading tax reform proposals contemplate a charitable deduction claimed by just five percent of taxpayers. Such a limited deduction would fatally undermine the foundations of a giving incentive that has fostered an altruistic and pluralistic society through its broad-based participation and...