San Antonio Stingiest City in the Country

[Kori Ellis]

Salt Lake Tops List as America’s Most Giving City; San Antonio Most Stingy
New List from TurboTax Identifies Cities That Give the Most to Charity

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Salt Lake City is America’s most giving city, according to a new list of America’s Most Giving and Stingiest cities from TurboTax®, the top-rated tax software from Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq:INTU). The list, based on average charitable contributions, shows that Salt Lake residents on average contributed just under $2,200 per person. That amount is almost double the national average of $1,230 in charitable contributions.

Claiming the top spot on America’s Stingiest City list is San Antonio, where residents donated far less to their favorite charities, doling out on average just over $700 per resident, as reported on Schedule A of the federal 1040 tax form.

The rankings are, with average charitable contribution per taxpayer in parenthesis:


Top 10 Most Giving Cities Top 10 Stingiest Cities
1. Salt Lake City, Utah ($2,196) 1. San Antonio ($717)
2. West Palm Beach, Fla. ($1,874) 2. Buffalo, N.Y. ($728)
3. Washington, D.C. ($1,848) 3. Albuquerque, N.M. ($749)
4. New York ($1,819) 4. Pittsburgh ($769)
5. San Francisco Bay Area ($1,681) 5. Providence, R.I. ($803)
6. Atlanta, Ga. ($1,665) 6. Orlando, Fla. ($880)
7. Baltimore ($1,618) 7. Columbus, Ohio ($913)
8. Birmingham, Ala. ($1,524) 8. Cleveland, Ohio ($915)
9. Charlotte, N.C. ($1,430) 9. Tampa-St. Petersburg ($932)
10. Los Angeles ($1,422) 10. Harrisburg, Pa. ($954)


Help Others, Help Yourself

The residents of Salt Lake City know that giving to charity not only helps others, but it also helps cut their tax bill. Charitable contributions, both cash and donated items, are among the more than 350 possible deductions and credits included in TurboTax Deluxe Deduction Maximizer. TurboTax is the most trusted tax software package, helping millions of Americans year after year prepare and file their taxes with confidence – no matter which city they live in.

The list is compiled based on Internal Revenue Service data for tax year 2004 for top 50 markets for total federal tax returns filed. The full list of all 50 markets, along with average charitable contribution per taxpayer, follows this release.

About Intuit Inc.

Intuit Inc. is a leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, consumers and accounting professionals. Its flagship products and services, including QuickBooks®, Quicken® and TurboTax® software, simplify small business management and payroll processing, personal finance, and tax preparation and filing. ProSeries® and Lacerte® are Intuit’s leading tax preparation software suites for professional accountants.

Founded in 1983, Intuit had annual revenue of $2.3 billion in its fiscal year 2006. The company has nearly 7,500 employees with major offices in 13 states across the United States, and offices in Canada and the United Kingdom. More information can be found at www.intuit.com.

Intuit, the Intuit logo, and TurboTax, among others, are registered trademarks and/or registered service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners and should be treated as such.

More (http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070201005342&newsLang=en)

(sorry the code is messed up in the chart .. go to the link)

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

See, it's not just Holt, it's the whole city!

[ploto]

One thing that does skew that list is that the info is for people who itemize their deductions who would normally be in higher income brackets. In proportion to their income, some lower income people actually give much more generously.

[desflood]

I don't claim charitable contributions on taxes. I figure it's not really giving if you get it back.

[Jimcs50]

The Mormon Chuch requires at least 10% of your income in tithing each week, so the Church is the main reason for them being so "generous"

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

And that bastard Ken Jennings is probably screwing up the average. I think something similar happened to get Dallas in the top 15. How much money are they donating to Finley alone?

[Fillmoe]

what is it a bunch of jews or something?

[MrChug]

The Mormon Chuch requires at least 10% of your income in tithing each week, so the Church is the main reason for them being so "generous"

YOU BEAT ME TO IT! :nerd

[Viva Las Espuelas]

I don't claim charitable contributions on taxes. I figure it's not really giving if you get it back.I know. I actually know people that actually write off tithes. That's a slap in the Lord's face.

[Extra Stout]

I don't claim charitable contributions on taxes. I figure it's not really giving if you get it back.
That doesn't make any sense. If you got a higher tax refund, you could give that money to charity too, without any additional out-of-pocket cost to you.


I know. I actually know people that actually write off tithes. That's a slap in the Lord's face.
That makes no sense. "Give Caesar's what is Caesar's, and God what is God's." Here, Caesar is just saying that the more you give to God, the less you owe him. That sounds like a good deal. Tithe your refund. Give it all if you like. Just don't leave money in Uncle Sam's pocket because you think it offends God not to. That's absurd.

Maybe San Antonians are not so much less charitable than people in other cities, than they are just less savvy with their finances, if these two are any indication.

[MannyIsGod]

I know. I actually know people that actually write off tithes. That's a slap in the Lord's face.You are the most backwards thinking poster on this board. Seriously

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

God hates vaccines and unnecessary charitable donations.

Got it.

[ChumpDumper]

Damn, this makes me want to set up a charity that gives out vaccinations.

That'll show God!

[Buddy Holly]

Actually, this list was done byu Turbo Tax and only took into account taxes done only via Turbotax.

A similiar list done by the Chronicle of Philanthropy named SA the 8th most charitable city in 2003 based on city wide tax data.

The top 10 most generous cities:
1. Salt Lake City-Ogden, Utah: 14.9 percent
2. Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, Michigan: 10 percent
3. (tie) Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota: 8.5 percent
3. (tie) Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, North Carolina: 8.5 percent
5. (tie) Memphis, Tennessee: 8.4 percent
5. (tie) Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas: 8.4 percent
7. Nashville, Tennessee: 8.3 percent
8. (tie) San Antonio, Texas: 8.1 percent
8. (tie) Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Texas: 8.1 percent
10. (tie) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 8 percent
10. (tie) Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, Virginia: 8 percent


The top 10 stingiest cities:
1. Hartford, Connecticut: 4.7 percent
2. Providence-Fall River-Warwick, Rhode Island: 5.1 percent
3. Boston-Worcester-Lawrence, Massachusetts: 5.2 percent
4. Buffalo-Niagara Falls, New York: 5.8 percent
5. (tie) New Orleans, Louisiana: 5.9 percent
5. (tie) Las Vegas, Nevada: 5.9 percent
7. Austin-San Marcos, Texas: 6.0 percent
8. (tie) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 6.1 percent
8. (tie) Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Florida: 6.1 percent
8. (tie) Philadelphia-Wilmington, Delaware-Atlantic City, New Jersey: 6.1 percent

[Viva Las Espuelas]

You are the most backwards thinking poster on this board. Seriouslythis from the guy with the most grown up, mature avatar. you must be a very lonely, sad individual. you make eeyore look like dakota fanning.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

You are the most backwards thinking poster on this board. SeriouslyNot that I care, but I was stating that people that write off tithes are really giving up nothing. Which in turn nullifies the whole meaning of tithing.

[tlongII]

Not that I care, but I was stating that people that write off tithes are really giving up nothing. Which in turn nullifies the whole meaning of tithing.


How are you giving up nothing? Please explain.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

How are you giving up nothing? Please explain.Well, you give your tithes, then you write it off and get it back with your refund. That is not tithing to me. It sounds like a loan to me.

[tlongII]

Well, you give your tithes, then you write it off and get it back with your refund. That is not tithing to me. It sounds like a loan to me.


If it is a deduction you're effectively only getting back 40% or whatever your tax rate is. If it's a tax credit you effectively get all of it back. I think it's a deduction though.

[Shelly]

What's a refund?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

What's a refund?tax refund.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

If it is a deduction you're effectively only getting back 40% or whatever your tax rate is. If it's a tax credit you effectively get all of it back. I think it's a deduction though.we're splitting hairs.

[tlongII]

I believe that was what is commonly referred to as "a joke."

[Shelly]

tax refund.

Really???

I was joking...I haven't seen a refund for about 20 years.

[tlongII]

we're splitting hairs.

Huh? So if you give $1,000 and you save 40% in taxes which means you are out of $600 it doesn't count?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

i guess i should put on my glasses. i missed the sarcasm.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Huh? So if you give $1,000 and you save 40% in taxes which means you are out of $600 it doesn't count?no.

[01Snake]

What's a refund?


:lol It means you aren't making enough at your job and you might want to think about another career/profession.

[1Parker1]

Philly tied at #8? I'm actually surprised, I didn't think we were that stingy here....

[Mr. Peabody]

I thought this thread was about Mexicans not tipping when they go out to eat.

[Extra Stout]

Well, you give your tithes, then you write it off and get it back with your refund. That is not tithing to me. It sounds like a loan to me.
Please go see your priest or pastor. Hopefully he can explain it to you. You are just not getting it. The point of tithing is to do God's work, not to make you feel all pious by being without money.

Maybe if I use numbers, the light bulb will come on in your head.

Person A makes $50,000. He tithes $5,000. He doesn't believe in itemizing his deductions. The church gets: $5,000.

Person B makes $50,000. He tithes $5,000. He itemizes his deductions and gets back an extra $1,400. He tithes his refund. The church gets: $5,140.

Which person gives more to the church: Person A or Person B? Which person gives more as a percentage of their income?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Please go see your priest or pastor. Hopefully he can explain it to you. You are just not getting it. The point of tithing is to do God's work, not to make you feel all pious by being without money.

Maybe if I use numbers, the light bulb will come on in your head.

Person A makes $50,000. He tithes $5,000. He doesn't believe in itemizing his deductions. The church gets: $5,000.

Person B makes $50,000. He tithes $5,000. He itemizes his deductions and gets back an extra $1,400. He tithes his refund. The church gets: $5,140.

Which person gives more to the church: Person A or Person B? Which person gives more as a percentage of their income?i'm just not getting it? tithing is 10% of your income. you give that as a minimum. i'm fully aware of what tithing is. i don't see why this is so hard for people to understand.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

this from the guy with the most grown up, mature avatar. you must be a very lonely, sad individual. you make eeyore look like dakota fanning.

Manny could buy an earlobe reduction (and probably write it off or get a deduction or something).

You could learn math.

I think the former would be easier.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Manny could buy an earlobe reduction (and probably write it off or get a deduction or something).

You could learn math.

I think the former would be easier.yeah. the storage fee on those 'lobes would break the bank.

[T Park]

manny gives a great arguement and all espuelas does is insult him.

Typical 14 year old thinking.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

yeah. the storage fee on those 'lobes would break the bank.

I forget, you can't detect sarcasm.

My bad.

[Spurminator]

tithing is 10% of your income. you give that as a minimum.

And if you give 10%, write it off, and give your refund, your church gets more money. Your refund can go to the church instead of the Government.

[101A]

i'm just not getting it? tithing is 10% of your income. you give that as a minimum. i'm fully aware of what tithing is. i don't see why this is so hard for people to understand.

You are not very intelligent.

Please study tax deductions vs. tax credits.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

it's just like pissing in the wind in here. have fun guys.

[CubanMustGo]

it's just like pissing in the wind in here. have fun guys.

It's hell when everyone gets it but you, isn't it?

[Extra Stout]

i'm just not getting it? tithing is 10% of your income. you give that as a minimum. i'm fully aware of what tithing is. i don't see why this is so hard for people to understand.
Never mind. I guess somebody would have to show you by counting jelly beans or something.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

It's hell when everyone gets it but you, isn't it?no, it's actually funny. it's not even worth further explaining my point. i'll just see what other posts come from it. it's kinda slow here at work, anyway. so how's the weather where you're at? i think i shouldn't catch any mierda from anyone for that question.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

no, it's actually funny. it's not even worth further explaining my point. i'll just see what other posts come from it. it's kinda slow here at work, anyway. so how's the weather where you're at? i think i shouldn't catch any mierda from anyone for that question.

Gatita?

[LuvBones]

no, it's actually funny. it's not even worth further explaining my point. i'll just see what other posts come from it. it's kinda slow here at work, anyway. so how's the weather where you're at? i think i shouldn't catch any mierda from anyone for that question.Why is it not worth explaining your point? Nobody really gets it so please explain...

[Extra Stout]

Why is it not worth explaining your point? Nobody really gets it so please explain...
His point is that if somebody gets a partial refund of their tithe, it doesn't count as giving. He is thinking that if he gives 10% of his income, but then Uncle Sam sends him back 3% of his income, then he only really gave 7%.

The fallacies in this thinking are obvious to everyone else, and we have tried to explain them to him, but he doesn't really understand, so I suggest just to leave him alone.

[Mr. Peabody]

I actually somewhat understand what VLE is saying. There is no doubt that many people tithe, volunteer, or give charity for reasons other than pure altruism. It certainly doesn't change the effect of the act, but if you are acting to fulfill some religious or spiritual doctrine, the intent should be there as well.

I have read the argument that you should claim the donation and give the money saved to the church, thereby increasing the donation. How many people actually do this? I am sure that it's not many.

It kind of reminds me of these large companies that do charity work and then, list all of their charity work on their website or include information about their "community citizenship" in their brochures. Did they really act out of a sense of charity or out of an obligation to appear charitable?

[101A]

I actually somewhat understand what VLE is saying. There is no doubt that many people tithe, volunteer, or give charity for reasons other than pure altruism. It certainly doesn't change the effect of the act, but if you are acting to fulfill some religious or spiritual doctrine, the intent should be there as well.

I have read the argument that you should claim the donation and give the money saved to the church, thereby increasing the donation. How many people actually do this? I am sure that it's not many.

The tax code exists to reflect what our government (we the people) value and wish to encourage. Home ownership? Yes, there is a Mortgage Tax Deduction. Charity, yes, there is a deduction for charitable giving.

Now, I give to charities; including large national charities, more local concerns, and, yes, my church. Do I do that for the financial benefit? That would be stupid. Even in the top tax bracket a taxpayer only realizes 36% of his/her donation in tax savings. It is not prudent to spend $1.00 to save $.36, nor is it in any way immoral or unjust to then not take those tax savings and also donate those (which would, then, create a deduction of its own - do I need to donate THAT also to be morally clean?)

Finally, many of us do not get tax "refunds" - we end up paying additional taxes to Uncle Sam on April 15th beyond what was deducted from our regular pay. 1099 income, capital gains, interest income, etc. are accrued with no withholding, which creates this, relatively common, scenario.

Therefore, there is no refund windfall from which to write additional funds to our favorite charity or church.

[LuvBones]

His point is that if somebody gets a partial refund of their tithe, it doesn't count as giving. He is thinking that if he gives 10% of his income, but then Uncle Sam sends him back 3% of his income, then he only really gave 7%.

The fallacies in this thinking are obvious to everyone else, and we have tried to explain them to him, but he doesn't really understand, so I suggest just to leave him alone.I got an explanation from him and I can understand what he's saying... maybe if people would stop bashing and listen there'd be an interesting discussion going on.

EDIT: Extra Stout, I don't mean you were bashing.

[Mr. Peabody]

The tax code exists to reflect what our government (we the people) value and wish to encourage. Home ownership? Yes, there is a Mortgage Tax Deduction. Charity, yes, there is a deduction for charitable giving.

Now, I give to charities; including large national charities, more local concerns, and, yes, my church. Do I do that for the financial benefit? That would be stupid. Even in the top tax bracket a taxpayer only realizes 36% of his/her donation in tax savings. It is not prudent to spend $1.00 to save $.36, nor is it in any way immoral or unjust to then not take those tax savings and also donate those (which would, then, create a deduction of its own - do I need to donate THAT also to be morally clean?)

Finally, many of us do not get tax "refunds" - we end up paying additional taxes to Uncle Sam on April 15th beyond what was deducted from our regular pay. 1099 income, capital gains, interest income, etc. are accrued with no withholding, which creates this, relatively common, scenario.

Therefore, there is no refund windfall from which to write additional funds to our favorite charity or church.

I never said the benefit was purely and immediately financial. It might be a social benefit or a financial benefit that is realized somewhere down the road (e.g., the "corporate citizen" creating a good image to advertise to clients).

[Notorious H.O.P.]

Using Extra Stout's example, you get the following below

$50000 salary and since I can't immediately recall the taxing rate for this, we'll use 30%

2006 - You tithe $5000 and claim it on your tax return as a charitable deduction.
2007 - You tithe your 10% income for $5000 and since the returned money is the Lord's money, you tithe the full returned amount of $1500. Your church receives $6500. You claim this on your return again.
2008 - Your 10% for $5000 and the returned money of $1950 for a total of $6950 to your church and claim again.
2009 - Your 10% for $5000 and the returned money of $2085 for a total of $7085 to your church and claim again.

The example is hastily put together so the math might not be 100% but you get the idea.

By not claiming your tithe in 2006, your church has received $20000 from 2006-2009. By claiming your tithe in 2006 and the following years, your church has received $25535 from 2006-2009, all without you spending an extra dime out of your pocket. Which do you think your church and the Lord prefer? I don't see how this could be considered a slap in the face.

[101A]

I never said the benefit was purely and immediately financial. It might be a social benefit or a financial benefit that is realized somewhere down the road (e.g., the "corporate citizen" creating a good image to advertise to clients).

Well, from a utilitarian perspective, that's fine, isn't it?

[Mr. Peabody]

Well, from a utilitarian perspective, that's fine, isn't it?

It's fine by me, but as I stated, it's a problem if you are supposed to be acting out of love for your fellow man (or whatever reason the church uses to convince people to give up 10% of their incomes). Admittedly, I am not a Christian, but I think Christianity is all about the intent.

[tlongII]

I got an explanation from him and I can understand what he's saying... maybe if people would stop bashing and listen there'd be an interesting discussion going on.

EDIT: Extra Stout, I don't mean you were bashing.


Maybe you could explain it for him then? I'd rather look at your avatar anyway. :cooldevil

[101A]

It's fine by me, but as I stated, it's a problem if you are supposed to be acting out of love for your fellow man (or whatever reason the church uses to convince people to give up 10% of their incomes). Admittedly, I am not a Christian, but I think Christianity is all about the intent.

You're gonna get Phenomanu in here, and this thread is going to go 17 pages with questions like that.

Intent is important, yes.

[LuvBones]

Maybe you could explain it for him then? I'd rather look at your avatar anyway. :cooldevil:lol Yeah I was trying to get him to explain it in here but oh well... I think he just started off saying the wrong thing with "it's a slap in God's face".

[Mr. Peabody]

You're gonna get Phenomanu in here, and this thread is going to go 17 pages with questions like that.



:lol
I won't say anything else on the subject. I don't want to tangle with him on religious issues.

[Spurminator]

Probably not many people out there give their entire refund to their church. The point is that by refusing to claim a tax credit for your giving on moral grounds, you reduce your giving potential with your church. Now, if you feel those dollars will be better used by the US Government, that's one thing, but objecting on strictly moral grounds is flawed considering you are not obligated to keep your refund.

[Extra Stout]

I actually somewhat understand what VLE is saying. There is no doubt that many people tithe, volunteer, or give charity for reasons other than pure altruism. It certainly doesn't change the effect of the act, but if you are acting to fulfill some religious or spiritual doctrine, the intent should be there as well.

I have read the argument that you should claim the donation and give the money saved to the church, thereby increasing the donation. How many people actually do this? I am sure that it's not many.

It kind of reminds me of these large companies that do charity work and then, list all of their charity work on their website or include information about their "community citizenship" in their brochures. Did they really act out of a sense of charity or out of an obligation to appear charitable?
I don't really understand how ulterior motives play into this particular scenario. No doubt there are people who give in order to have means to exert control over other people. There are people who volunteer for appearances. Und so weiter.

I don't see how there is an ulterior motive in deciding not to pay Uncle Sam more than what he says I owe him.

Jesus' very words about paying taxes were, "Give to Caesar's what is Caesar's, and give to God what it God's." They are separate. Now, in this country, we have a law that says I don't owe taxes to Caesar on the income I give to God. Well, thanks, Caesar. I don't see how this is a slap in the face to God.

The key principle here is to understand giving in terms of what one gives, not how much one has left over.

There is a principle of tithing, based upon the story of Jacob. The New Testament doesn't really have a hard and fast rule, but the general idea is that 10% would be a meager amount to give. Zacchaeus gave like 50%. Paul exhorted the churches to give everything they possibly could to support the less fortunate.

But people tend to be exceedingly stingy if the giving is left up to them, so the tradition is to follow what the Jews did and give the tithe, since anything below that probably goes against the spirit of the New Testament.

Any giving greater than 10% is considered an "offering." Thus, you might hear the term "tithes and offerings." An offering can be a donation to any charity, not just the church.

Now, there is some discussion about whether people should tithe on their gross income or their net income. I don't know; let the person decide for himself. If a person meets the tithe on their gross income, then they have fulfilled their obligation already, no matter how much or how little a tax refund they get. Any giving from that refund would be considered an "offering."

If a person chooses to tithe on their net income, then a tax refund would constitute part of that net income, and in order to be faithful to their commitment, they should pay 10% of that refund.

If a person really doesn't need the refund money, it is stil more fruitful to collect the refund and give that as an offering to whatever charity or charities the person likes, than to let Robert Byrd use it to fund research at the University of West Virginia on squirrel mating habits.

[MannyIsGod]

Does Viva work for Verizon? There's a difference between dollars and cents?