Ken wrote:
> But the credit is essentially payment by taxpayers. I don't think volunteers are generally looking for this. Of course, we're all human, and it would be pretty hard for many to turn it down, if offered.
I've seen arguments saying tax credits are payments. But they aren't -- they are a reduction in the taxes someone pays on the income they earned. The person has to first earn the income to get the tax credits. No income earned, no tax credit.
Governments use tax credits to lighten the tax burden for items that the particular government deems beneficial. This covers many areas: tax-free bond investments; home loan interest, oil depletion allowances, property depreciation for businesses, solar energy credits... the list is practically endless.
I could say it's MY money that is going to the tax deductions for others, but it isn't really. I see it more as an adjustment of the burden of supporting the government, which benefits us all.