I continue to be stunned by the generosity of both fans and friends. It never occurred to me that we would reach the $55,000 level in four days.
It helps that I have some incredibly generous friends. George Takei, JMS and Wendy & Richard Pini each donated $1000 on GoFundMe while George Perez donated an astounding $5000.
Meanwhile I went to the PO box today for the first time, wondering if I would find anything to autograph. Instead there were simply half a dozen letters (and one card) with checks enclosed. They weren’t asking for anything; they were instead thanking me for the years of enjoyment they’ve derived from my work. I assume because they sent checks they want anonymity, but one fan–you know who you are, Susan–sent a check for $2000. It’s astounding.
You have to understand that being a writer (or an artist for that matter) is fundamentally a lonely life. You have no coworkers in your office typically. It’s just you and the computer screen or art board, and you do your work and toss it out there and hope that maybe, just maybe, people like your work. If this endeavor to get myself out from under has proven anything to me, it’s that you guys are terrific. It makes my life’s work seem worthwhile.
I am also taking very seriously the people who contend that I should allow for the notion that the IRS is going to want taxes on the $88,000 on top. Furthermore, my critics (there are always critics) have declared that I should just work to earn the money. One guy declared that when Willie Nelson ran into tax problems, he made a record and all the funds went to the IRS. On the surface of it, that’s an idiotic comment. There is simply no project I can generate on my own that can raise that sort of money, and I doubt recording a cover of “On the Road Again” would do much in terms of income. But on the other hand, I very much prefer the notion of working for money rather than just asking for it.
I’ve found out about the fact that there is a revival of the patronage system of a couple centuries ago. There is a site called www.patreon.com that is designed specifically for that. For a monthly fee, fans can support artists that they appreciate. Colleen Doran has one, as do a number of writers. So when this is done, I’m going to set one up myself. For varying monthly fees you’ll get all kinds of neat stuff, including new works, behind the scenes stuff, neat pictures, etc. And every cent from that will go into a separate bank fund that will be maintained exclusively for taxes so I don’t find myself behind the eight ball next year.
Also, remember Colleen Doran is having an auction on eBay? For the Hulk page, right here? Well, I decided to add something to it. DC Comics just sent me my author copies of the upcoming Young Justice trade paperback which will hit the stores the end of April. So we’re going to add a copy to the auction, which finishes in two days. I will send a personalized copy of it to the winner, who will undoubtedly be the first on his block to have a copy.
And lastly, I haven’t forgotten. We are uploading the never-before-seen Space Cases, Season 2 blooper reel. The problem is that we have crap upload speed at the house and it won’t be finished for another two and a half hours. So check back here around 10:30 and ideally we’ll have a link up. A couple of historical notes: For you folks who never saw the show, yes, the young lady with the rainbow hair is Jewel Staite. Also, during the green screen sequence that features Rosie’s parents, the woman is in fact the mother of Paige Heuser who played Rosie. Enjoy.
PAD
UPDATE AT 10:40–Okay, guys. Here it is!
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Surely this isn’t taxable income but rather gifts. Those would be taxed to the giver. I don’t know what or how the rewards will impact that.
You should assume any money raised on a website (Patreon, gofundme, etc.) will be considered taxable income. Those sites will probably issue you a 1099 form at the end of the year for all amounts received, a copy of which will be filed with the IRS. Also, the fact that rewards have entered the picture means (in the eyes of the IRS) these are now regular, taxable transactions, not donations. You’re exchanging a good or service (i.e. autographs) for money. It may even be subject to local sales taxes depending on where you live.
So taking that into account, you actually need to raise about 125-130k to cover the 88k debt, plus the federal & state income taxes on that 88k received. Not to put a damper on your spirits or anything…
I think at least the gift checks should be treated as such and should not be taxable. I think the gift tax applies to anything above $14K in New York (and the tax applies to the giver). In any case, there should be a proper consultation with someone who really knows the law in order to avoid any future problems.
My son has leukemia, so even an extra $5 has been hard to come by for me. That said, I’ve done what I could to defend you when people wished you an ill result from this, including addressing the inane Willie Nelson argument in a private Facebook group. Whatever our political disagreements, you’re a decent human being, and I’m hard pressed to even think of many people I loathe to wish them the wrath of the IRS. I hope I can add a few dollars to the fund in a couple weeks, but even if I can’t, I’ll still do what I can to defend you from spurious accusations, and ill-founded wishes of doom.
Malcolm–so sorry to hear about your son. I hope all is going as well as can be.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: The Peter Chronicles.”
Ah, the bloopers… good times. But I cannot link to that one directly. There’s naughty bits. :O
Be well.
RLR
Awesome! And you just got Katherine interested in seeing “Space Cases” as a result, too. 🙂
Mr. David,
As to whether the money is considered taxable income or a gift, you should definitely consult a tax professional. If you’ve got a guy that prepares your taxes, you should ask him or have him refer you to someone who can answer definitely.
If you’ve been preparing your own taxes, ask around with people in your circle of peers and see if you can get a recommendation. Even eliminating the uncertainty might be worth a mid-three figure fee.