January 11, 2001

Philanthropy Can Thrive Without Estate Tax

By PAUL G. SCHERVISH

By PAUL G. SCHERVISH

Now that George W. Bush is headed for the White House, the estate tax and its deduction for charitable bequests are likely to be short-lived, as least as we have known them. In his campaign, Mr. Bush promised to eliminate the tax, and Congress -- with substantial support from Democrats -- is poised to consider revamping, if not abolishing, the levy.

I once was opposed to such a move, counting myself among those who view the estate