My husband and I tithe to our church, meaning we give 10 percent of our income. We also donate money to various charities. Our giving results in a tax break because we itemize on our tax return.

Would we give less if we didn’t have the tax deduction? I’m confident we wouldn’t. Having the tax deduction is a bonus but one that has never driven us to give more or less. But having said this, many people are motivated by tax breaks. And some do give more because of the charitable deduction.