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THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE December 19, 1986 Page 13 Consensus: Tax Reform Act will not alter Jewish giving by Richard Bono I SI stafl v> riter It is the contention of many in the Jewish community here that the new federal Tax Reform Act, heralded to be a fairer distribu tion of the nation’s tax burden, will not appreciably alter charit able giving to Jewish institutions in Atlanta or elsewhere. At the top of the year, maxi mum income tax brackets will drop from 50 percent to 38.5 per cent with a concurrent drop in the percentage Americans will be permitted to deduct from their year-end tax bill for charitable giving. But there is no indication, according to a sampling of ac countants in Atlanta, that those who give to community-supported Jewish institutions will either stop giving or cut back signifi cantly. “I don't think the bigger donors give because there is a tax deduction,” said accountant Mil- ton Bach of Atlanta. “They give because that’s what they learned to do. They were educated that way. When 1 was president of the local BBYO, we had a program and we taught these kids to be givers. Now they’re givers and it doesn’t make any difference whether they can make a tax deduction for it.” -Correction- Temple Sinai pre-school registration is Fall of 1987 not February. The new federal tax law, how ever. has sent many in the Jewish community scurrying to their accountants for advice on giving to charity. In fact, the Atlanta Jewish Federation (AJF) is cur rently conducting a campaign for its endowment fund urging peo ple to give now. “The Tax Reform Act will probably make 1986 the last year to save fifty cents for every dollar donated to the Fed eration,” the solicitation reads. “Don't miss out!" Despite that appeal, AJF En dowment Fund director Mike Pousman and others maintain that Jews in Atlanta and else where give charity with only secondary consideration to the tax consequences. As to what impact the new tax law will have, Pousman said it's difficult to tell. “Next year there will sort of be a step reduction in the tax rate,” he said. “Because of that, the impact of the tax law will be harder to tell. Had there been a precipitous drop from the high to the low, the effect would be more ev ident." To lessen the impact of the nev\ tax law, its writers have imposed a step reduction in the maximum tax rate. From the current 50 percent, the rate will drop to 38.5 percent in 1987, then to 28 percent in 1988. The min- Shearith Israel SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP ATLANTA’S LARGEST JUDAICA GIFT SHOP Shearith Israel Synagogue 1180 University Drive, N.E. 873-1743 Hours: Weekdays 9-5, Sun. 9-1 Until Hanuka ^appy ^amifea June Gustin Laura, Dana, David Auerbach Dr. Richard and Ruth Wiggs Howard Roth, Geneen Roth 2b £at XL£.nd±, ^~\/\/ii.niny you ana your± a c <zJ~fanu(za. ALLAN & GAIL RIPANS Crossroads Restaurant When a moment is special enough to celebrate, we think the celebration should be special, too. That’s why, from the moment your guests arrive at the Hilton at Peachtree Corners, we’ll make them feel special. A private entrance welcomes guests to your celebration or reception in style. From there, il you need, we will guide them to a large pre function area that assures an organized affair. Our 7,000 square-foot Hunnicutt Ballroom accommodates the grandest of celebrations, with a seating capacity of 650. Of course, we enjoy making even the smallest gath ering an event to remember as well. While your guests will appreciate the classic atmosphere, your cele bration will also benefit from our experienced planners and chefs, and the most modern facilities, including a Kosher kitchen. If you have a special occasion coming up—or if you’re in the mood to create one—make sure your guests will remember it. Remember us. X HILTON AT PEACHTREE CORNERS 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Norcross, Georgia 30092 Telephone (404) 447-4747 When you want people to remember your event, remember us. Now Open