NRB to President, Congress: Cuts to Charitable Tax Deduction Could be “Devastating”

As the White House and Congress race to keep the nation from going over the so-called fiscal cliff, the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is calling on the President and Congressional leaders to stand against proposals to eliminate or reduce tax incentives for charitable contributions.

In letters sent Wednesday, NRB President & CEO Dr. Frank Wright stressed the vital role non-profits play in meeting public needs and the role the public plays in supporting these groups.

“These organizations rely on charitable giving to serve their communities effectively, and any restriction of the charitable deduction could be devastating to their efforts,” he stated. “Rather than capping or otherwise constraining this longstanding deduction, the federal government ought to expand opportunities for the charitable impulse of Americans to thrive.”

Dr. Wright also highlighted a recent poll by United Way Worldwide, the nation’s largest charity, which found that two-thirds of Americans are opposed to reducing or eliminating the charitable tax deduction, and that nearly 8 in 10 respondents believe that reducing or eliminating tax incentives for charitable contributions would have a negative impact on charities and the people they serve.

“I join in that sentiment and respectfully encourage the continuation of this monumental public policy,” Dr. Wright concluded.

Published: December 6, 2012