Why It’s Better To Give Than To Receive

Evolutionary speaking, survival of the fittest reigns supreme. The competition used to be fierce! The strongest species live another day while, the weaklings die out. Let us fast-forward to the present time. Nowadays, sustainability is attained by sharing our resources. Why else would companies like Grab or Airbnb exist?

The act of giving is deeply wired within our moral compass. Not everyone is blessed with the same resources that we bathe in. This is something that we have to accept. I have to admit! It took me a long time to accept that I can use my resources to effectively help others.

At a young age, I questioned why we needed to give up our financial resources to benefit our relatives. With maturity and time, I realized the importance of detaching oneself from the materialistic views. The benefits of selfless acts contributes to a higher sense of wellbeing. That is what Aristotle knew all along!

On that note, here are some of the reasons why giving is seemingly better than receiving.

#1: HELPING THOSE IN NEED

Let us face it! The world we live in is far from perfect.

The interest rates are shooting up, the global economy is unstable, and the financial difficulties are experienced by many families. That is merely on the financial side. Shall I elaborate further on Singapore’s general challenges such as unemployment and teenage pregnancy? I suppose not. We are well aware of the pressing issues.

What we do with the above information shapes our character. A gesture as simple as donating your old clothes and books can go a long way! Giving a portion of what you have to those in desperate need helps alleviate the situation that they are in. That in itself is rewarding.

#2: THE NATURAL HIGH 

Speaking of rewards, the act of giving elicits a type reward that is both intangible and powerful. I am referring to its physiological benefits. In a 2007 study, charitable contributions demonstrated pleasurable responses in the brain. Said responses were triggered by a surge of endorphins and dopamine.

As physiological responses are deeply rooted, its pleasurable consequences can last longer than the effects of purchasing a new outfit in Orchard Road.

#3: A BOOST IN EMPLOYEE MORALE

Ms. Molly St. Louis, a creative executive, once shared her insights on charity and employee morale. She once wrote this: “If a company chooses to make a corporate donation, workplace culture can improve with increased employee involvement and a positive general attitude.”

Participating in your company’s altruistic campaigns can make you feel like a part of a meaningful cause. On the other hand, employers may improve the group dynamics by offering volunteer opportunities for everyone.

#4: A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Individuals, corporations, trustees, and partnerships that are carrying on profession, trade, or business in Singapore are chargeable with tax. Reduce the payable amount by listing down your tax deductables. You may qualify for several tax deductables including the “donations” category.

Being generous may help you reap double tax deductions (i.e., twice the amount of the donation). Eligible donations exist in these forms:

a. Cash Donations
b. Shares Donations
c. Computer Donations
d. Artefact Donations
e. Public Art Tax Incentive Scheme
f. Land and Building Donations

For instance, you may donate a priceless artwork to the Singapore museums that have obtained the Approved Museum Status with the National Heritage Board.

#5: PROMOTING SELFLESS ACTS

As an educator to young minds, I know how important it is to promote positive behaviors. Mimicing is the basic learning model that children follow. When your child sees your selfless acts, it is more likely that he or she adopts an altruistic mindset.

I speak from my personal experience. As a child, I was exposed to this mindset as my grandparents were frequent volunteers of the Red Cross. As a teenager, I hosted my 13th birthday at a humble orphanage. Last Christmas, we had a chance to share our blessings to the intellectually disabled youth. It goes without saying that I will pass on this mindset to my future children.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As for you, you may take small steps first. Start by allowing your child to donate your loose change to charitable institutions. It is common to see adolescents with “donation cans” roaming at the Orchard Road or in the train stations. You may consider donating to them too.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Tax Deductibles You Need To Know

Each year, hundreds of tax deductions and credits may go unclaimed due to the lack of taxing knowledge. To prevent that, here are 5 Tax Deductibles You Need To Know based on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.

FOR THE EMPLOYEE

1. EMPLOYMENT EXPENSES

A good news for all employees—employment expenses can be claimed as long as they satisfy these three conditions:

a. Expenses are sustained when carrying out official duties.
b. Expenses are not reimbursed by the employer.
c. Expenses are not private in nature.

For instance, traveling expenses on public transportation that are not reimbursed by the company may be deducted from the tax. Also, entertainment expenses that occurred while pleasing the clients may be deducted from the tax.

FOR THE EMPLOYER

2. STARTUP TAX EXEMPTION (SUTE)

A start-up company, have enough financial worries in your plate. What should you do then?

Take on the SUTE. Suited by SUTE, a start-up company that meets the required conditions can claim for full tax exemption on the first S$100, 000 of normal chargeable income for each of its first three consecutive years.

3. CORPORATE TAX INCOME REBATE (CTIR)

Since 2013, all Singapore companies are eligible to take on the CTIR. No! There is no catch. This scheme aims to help companies to cope with the rising costs in businesses. Suited by CTIR, companies will receive 30% rebate or up to S$30, 000 off the tax bill from 2013-2015.

OTHERS

4. ANGEL INVESTORS TAX DEDUCTION SCHEME

Be an angel, invest in start-up companies in Singapore to receive a huge tax benefit from the Angel Investors Tax Deduction Scheme.

Enjoy 50% tax deduction on the investment costs at the end of a two-year holding period. This is up to S$500, 000 of investments in each Year of Assessment. Investments made from March 1, 2010 until March 31, 2015 are eligible for this scheme.

5. DONATIONS

Want to double your tax deduction? Be generous and donate in all forms. The following types of donations will qualify you for a double tax deduction (twice the amount of the donation):

a. Cash Donations
b. Shares Donations
c. Computer Donations
d. Artefact Donations
e. Public Art Tax Incentive Scheme
f. Land and Building Donations

For instance, a donation to the Singapore museums that have obtained the Approved Museum Status with the National Heritage Board is tax deductible.

Image Credits: TaxCredits.net via Flickr

Image Credits: TaxCredits.net via Flickr

Equipped with these tax deduction knowledge, prepare to be impressed with your managed taxes now!

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