[TheForge] nonpartisan politics as it affects artists

[RIES NIEMI]

I agree that this in not a very comprehensive solution, but it is at least a
little better than the current law, which says you just can deduct the cost
of materials. 

I get asked to donate work to probably at least a dozen fund raising sales
and auctions a year, and they always say its tax deductible, but really, for
me, its not. I do give to five or six causes that I believe in, but I am
just giving them artwork, not getting a tax deduction. Luckily, many
charities will give me a percentage of the sale or auction price, which
means my materials and any labor costs to pay my employees are covered.

One thing no one has pointed out is that the last I heard, the artist must
get a third party appraisal of  the value to deduct the fair market value
under this new house bill. That means that even if it does get passed, it
will mostly apply to big name artists who can afford to pay for an appraisal
of the piece. Hardly worth it for a $200 stool or a $75 candlestick.
Which means the average artist and craftsman will benefit little from this
new law. It is mainly being pushed by the big museums who want Frank Stella
or Albert Paley to donate a piece.

Ries