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JPFO is raffling off a Serbu BFG-50A rifle.
$20 for a chance to win a $6,700 gun? "Sign me up!" you might exclaim.
There's a catch provided by the US Government.
A 25% tax rate on prizes exceeding $5,000 in value (less price of the ticket).
So this "free" Serbu will be a $1,670 rifle to the winner; due
That pisses me off all by itself.
I've watched more than one car raffle where the winner had no way of shitting 25% of the value of the pristine Hot Rod they'd just won. Congratulations! You've just won a $200,000 Chris Foose original! Now just give us fifty grand and you can drive your new car home...
The organizers of these events are the next thing that infuriate me. They most certainly do know that those taxes are due at the end. They are also aware that they'd sell far fewer tickets if they gave full disclosure.
In short, it's a bait and switch.
When you ask you get the same answer, over and over. (Paraphrased) "We appreciate your concern but don't see it as being a problem."
Of course it's not a problem, FOR THEM. They've got their money and really don't care if the winner can afford the taxes. Literally NOT THEIR problem.
Let's break down the JPFO raffle.
If Serbu donated the gun, $0 to JPFO. 1000 tickets at $20 per.
+$20,000.
Even if they had to BUY the gun from Mark, it's still $13,330 in their pockets.
If they stepped up to the plate and paid the taxes for the winner they'd have to shell out $2,233.34 so they'd still get $11,066.66 from the donations. The price of the good will is immeasurable.
I'm willing to bet that Serbu donated the gun and even eating the taxes for the winner would net them $17,766.66.
The only reason not to is greed.
This is the sort of thing that makes you look at an organization seeking donations and say, "no, not today."
I get to thinking that the US is the land of the free, and then you go and spoil it with stories like this.
ReplyDeleteYou actually get to pay tax on stuff that you win in a raffle? That is SO screwed.
What sort of tax? It can't be "income tax" 'cause winnings aren't income, at least by Australian standards.
Here if you win the lottery, you get it all - no taxes. If you win a Mega Raffle prize of a car and a house on the beach - no taxes. If you successfully back a three-legged pony for $1000 at 1000 to 1 - no taxes (unless being a gambler is your job).
You pay income tax on:
1) what you EARN by personal exertion
2) capital gains (when you sell the asset, and after adjustments for improvements and inflation)
3) dividends
4) interest
5) a few other sources like trust disbursements
On the downside, home mortgage interest is NOT a tax deduction, unless the mortgage is on an asset that earns income (like a rental or shares).
Oh well - swings and roundabouts. Your gun laws are better - in SOME states. :)