Much research focuses on the role of the poor’s deservingness in shaping prefer ences for redistribution, while comparatively little attention has been given to the deservingness of the super-rich. I argue that philanthropy can reduce support for taxing the wealthy by enhancing perceptions of their benevolence and contribution to social welfare. A survey experiment in the US (n=2,500) finds that respondents exposed to higher levels of philanthropy favour lower taxes on the super-rich. Aligned with the proposed mechanisms, they also view more positively both the benevolence and material contribution of the super-rich. The higher philanthropy treatment, however, does not negatively affect views on the state as the main institution re sponsible for redistribution. The preference for reduced taxes on philanthropic super-rich individuals is seen as a reward to them, rather than a reaction against the government’s role. An additional study in the US (n=1,200) confirms the robustness of the proposed mechanisms.