9 Comments on ““Zoe’s Tale” Auction Update”

1. Something I forgot to ask on the other page: do I have to pay you, or can I instead directly pay the charity? (This relates to the tax deduction question, not any mistrust of you, of course.)

   I’m guessing it’s going to end up around $4-5k, so it’s a significant difference :).

2. I would figure that out with the winner at the end of the auction. I’m not opposed to the idea of someone making the contribution directly, because it’s not like I have any great plan to take the tax deduction, but I would need verifiable proof the donation was made.

3. i’m pretty sure this would not be tax deductible (at least not in its entirety) because it involves an exchange of goods. (note: i’m not an expert in tax law, but have worked for a number of non-profits and i recall conversations about this when we sold tickets for fundraiser events and held silent auctions)

4. “Donors who purchase items at a charity auction may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid for an item over its fair market value.”

   http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123204,00.html

5. Okay, thanks. (If I were to do that, then of course I’d send you a copy of the receipt or cancelled check, and not expect to get the book until then.)

   It’s largely a moot question, ’cause I don’t think I’ll be able to spend $3k on a book, even if it’s deductible, but it does let me raise the option to some other folks :).

6. I’m just gonna say, hope it all works out. Especially for the charity

7. Just saying…

   http://merlyyn.com/images/zoe.jpg

8. I’ve written off sillier stuff than that… if your accountant says no, contact me.

   That’s Athena on the cover, no? She must be soooooooooooo braggin’ at school.

9. It’s just the cover for the self-published edition. The actual book has spaceships on the cover.