Question:
Hi,
I am wondering if money I gave towards the mitzvahs of matanos l'evyonim on Purim and kimcho d'pischo on Pesach reduce my ma'aser obligation.
Thanks!
Answer:
We are allowed to give kimcha d'pischas nowadays from maaser money. Regarding matans levyonim, the basic obligation to give two matanos to one poor person cannot be taken from maaser because that is a personal obligation, however, any extras given more than that may be taken from maaser money.
Best wishes
Sources:
B'orach Tzedakah 11-9 quoting from R. S. Z. Auerbach that we can take it from maaser money because nowadays there isn't a governing body that can force someone to give a specific amount for maos chittim. He also brings from R' C. Kanievsky shlit"a that it can be taken from maaser money.
Regarding matanos l'evyonim see M:B 694-3.