Christians: Would you rather give charity directly from your pocket or through taxes?

Many individuals donating without knowledge of others can give some charities more than they need and other deserving but less visible ones still go without. Also it is difficult to determine if the money is being spent wisely. Bill Gates for instance is highly involved in how his philanthropic organization spends the money. Something most individuals are unable to do. Wouldn't it be better that a central organization such as a government based on Christian principals decide how best to divide the resources? Tais can be through direct as well as voluntary additional deductions.