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Mumblemore
Inner circle
1417 Posts
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Posted: Apr 21, 2007 11:57pm
What do you think about the ethics of asking charities for those all-important letters that will allow you to deduct free shows as charitable contributions? I've done several now, and raised the subject, sometimes feeling a little tacky and cheap, but also wishing my contacts at the schools, day care centers, fundraisers, etc. would raise the topic first, and then actually send the letter (none of them has and I persisted with an e-mail or two and then gave up). Do any of you marketing experts out there have a good tongue-and-cheek line I could deliver to get my letter after giving several hours of my time to a cause (however good)?
Thanks for any assistance in framing this delicate matter.
Mumblemore
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Father Photius
Grammar Host
El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo)
15702 Posts
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Posted: Apr 22, 2007 10:36pm
Tacky no, how deductible it is would be another question. Not all chairities or non profit groups qualify under the codes for such a deduction for contributions to their cause. Non cash contributions have to be handled on a special form and it is your responsibility to justify that amount to the irs as truly deductible, before asking for such a letter, consult a tax attorney to find out what you can deduct and how to do it properly. Generally a letter is not good enough for a deduction, especially on non cash contributions.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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Justin Style
Inner circle
2010 Posts
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Posted: Apr 23, 2007 11:11am
Just a thought here.
Make up a questionnaire and add a section on it for "Comments" or "feedback". When you show up at a venue, give it to the facilitator or person in charge. Also give them a Self addressed stamped envelope. I guarantee you will get a response every time.
I have been doing hospital shows for almost twenty years. In the beginning I would “Hope” someone would give me some feedback or a reference letter? But my dad told me one day: Hope in one hand, poop in the other, and see which one gets filled first. You need to act like a professional for people to treat you like one. Sometimes, you just have to take matters into your own hands. If you make it easy for them, there is no reason why they wouldn’t respond.
Good Luck. As far as the Tax deductions, I don’t deal with it anymore, its just too much hassle and not worth the effort. Once Uncle Sam gets involved then a whole can of worms gets opened. Better to bite the bullet! Believe me.
Check out the story of me performing in psych centers in this (April, 2007) month’s Magic Magazine. I hope it will inspire you.
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Mumblemore
Inner circle
1417 Posts
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Posted: Apr 23, 2007 12:05pm
Thanks. Those are both valuable posts. I will give the facilitator a stamped, addressed envelope, keep Justin's father's graphic advice in mind, and not be discouraged (congrats on staying at it) . . .
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Justin Style
Inner circle
2010 Posts
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Posted: Apr 23, 2007 12:51pm
Quote:
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On 2007-04-23 12:05, Mumblemore wrote:
Thanks. Those are both valuable posts. I will give the facilitator a stamped, addressed envelope, keep Justin's father's graphic advice in mind, and not be discouraged (congrats on staying at it) . . .
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Believe it or not, that was him being Kind, LOL!
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Bill Palmer
Eternal Order
Only Jonathan Townsend has more than
23786 Posts
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Posted: May 14, 2007 6:52pm
Generally, you cannot deduct the value of a show you contribute from your income for tax purposes. All you can deduct are your expenses. However, someone else can deduct your show, if the group you are performing for is a 501 C3 charitable group. Here's the way it can be done.
Have some other person sponsor your show. They get the advertising and the deduction. You get the fee.
Do not expect a charity to give you publicity. The only one who will get any publicity from a charity show is the charity.
I'm not an accountant, but this is one that is specifically mentioned in the tax law. It is called a "contribution in kind."
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC
My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups."
www.cupsandballsmuseum.com
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| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The tricks are on me! » » Volunteering is Great; Is it Tacky to Ask for Letter to Deduct from Taxes? |
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