Probably just skuttlebutt, but I got this this morning.
My Note: Trump listed a St. Marten beachfront property for sale in 2017 that I don't recall as having sold. Last I heard the asking price was reduced from $28M to $19M. If it was my wedding anniversary I'd sure like to spend it on St. Marten. So, maybe he is there.
*"Palm Beach Daily Reader, Image
Reports state Trump's bought an entrenched complex in foreign territory...
But he's not alone.
Something "strange" is happening behind the scenes in America.
And it threatens us all.
Click here to learn more.
Regards,
Rachel Bodden Managing Editor, Strategic Investor"*
Hi QMAB,
I don't want to step on any toes here but I want to make sure that you don't do anything that will land you in a tax (legal and/or financial) mess.
To be clear, I reiterate that under no circumstances can you (personally or as a business entity) deduct a "contribution" to a political candidate or party. Contributions may only be deducted if donated to a qualified 501(c), which typically only includes 501(c)(3), but certain exemptions exist for some 501(c)(4), most notably volunteer fire departments and veteran service groups.
"The IRS, which has clear rules about what is and is not tax deductible, notes that any contributions, donations, or payments to political organizations are not tax deductible" www.smartasset.com/taxes/are-pliticial-contributions-tax-deductible
or
"No.The IRS is very clear that money contributed to a politician or political party can't be deducted from your taxes." https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/charitable/are-political-contributions-tax-deductible/
or any of dozens of other authorative sites on the matter, including most notably the IRS website.
Please don't believe me (or any one in an anonymous forum). Instead, do your own due diligence and if you have remaining questions please consult a qualified tax law specialist.
Having said that I still think that you may have been asking if you could donate your > for profit goods/services> to a legitimate 501(c)(3) that you lawfully create and run. Is that what you were asking?
Hi Timesup,
Thanks for the nod and for reading a long post.
I'm not big on revealing much in a public forum, especially one as heavily scrutinized as this one. Let's just say that I have been contracted to facilitate training on a number of topics.
And, if you're thinking of running -- go for it. It's will only be because tenacious, honorable Patriots step up to the plate that we'll ever have the power to take back our remarkable nation.
Hi MrDonaldTrump,
Thanks for sharing. Then we're both on the same page that you can't just refuse to answer IRS questions, even if it is ultimately through your attorney without consequence and/or penalty. And, that getting caught lying to three letter agencies creates greater headaches than telling the truth, even if it means asserting one's fifth.
Hi MrDonaldTrump,
Have you ever experienced an IRS audit? Did you decline to answer their questions? If you had you would have experienced attachment and asset seizure or forfeiture. Initial IRS involvement is all Administrative, meaning different rules than criminal or civil.
Agree to a point with your point on police and FBI, NSA:
Never volunteer any information;
Never offer info without a good and appropriate attorney present;
Be polite;
Answer ?s with "yes" or "no" whenever possible;
If you don't want to answer, assert your fifth;
If you don't have an attorney present, record every word of the interraction, if it in person, and let them know you are recording it. Also, ask them if they are recording the conversation and inquire about the equipment that they are or will be using.
Also, don't let them rile you. Stay calm and focused.
trump_is_lord,
Thanks for mentioning Scott Presler. I read that he is or has already filed articles of incorporation for the America 1st party. Does that sound familiar?
Then, yesterday I read loose chatter about Trump starting MAGA party. We certainly don't need two new parties.
Hi Mr/donaldTrump,
Understood. It's also imperative not to lie to the federal government. Just ask Martha Stewart where that gets you.
Of real relevance is the fact that one can obtain a Q Security clearance even with prior felony conviction(s) as long as they are completely truthful with the Q investigator. It's the lying that gets people crucified.
QMAB,
I have provided further detail below but here is the short answer to your question:
"If the employee makes a "cash donation" then it is still a donation that must be reported on the candidates FEC quarterly filings website. Also, no tax deduction unless to a qualified 501(c)"
Fabius,
Unless there is a massive national push for a new party then the only hope for the country is to TAKE OVER the local and state GOP's.
There are ways to prevent future Steal but it requires people who actually give a hoot to be in positions to make things happen.
For example, generally speaking: if I were going to run in 2024 I would make my primary focus fair and safe elections. I would urge the GOP (or new MAGA/Partriot party) to make separte, stand alone scanners available in unison with county scanners so that an unbiased vote tally exists for recount and audit purposes. The stand alone scanners would be owned by the minority party and manned by 1 volunteer from each party.
Hi MrDonaldTrump,
Your approach will have tax and regulatory consequences.
-
Did you pay unemployment and worker's comp insurance on the employee?
-
How many hours was the employee employed for? As an employee, or contractor? Did you file the requisite IRS forms, I-9, W2, W4, where is the $ you withheld for federal/state witholding? Did you compensate < or > than $600.00? Did you provide medical coverage?
-
If the employee was terminated he or she can file for unemployment.
-
If the employee makes a "cash donation" then it is still a donation that must be reported on the candidates FEC quarterly filings website. Also, no tax deduction unless to a qualified 501(c)
Lots of rules and regs about running for office and how to avoid future legal headaches.
Barbs,
In any other year I would agree with you. This year is different because so many Dems are deeply disenfranchised by the direction the DNC has taken. While at the same time so many Republicans feel totally betrayed by the GOP.
Whichever direction candidates choose to go the message they present is going to either make or break their chances of a win. Any victors in 2022 will have tailored their campaigns to both Kennedy Dems and MAGA Republicans. And, that is not an impossible task.
DfOster5, PennsylPede1776, and others;
First, you need to decide if you want to run under the GOP banner, another party, or independently. Huge decision, especially now after the almost universal betrayal by the GOP. There are advantages/disadvantages to all, depending on your electoral district.
What is your platform? Choose five issues that are super relevant in your community, and garner support from all sides. Avoid divisive issues like the plague -- don't make abortion your flagship issue if the district is that blue. If you are pro life you can let it be known without making the fatal mistake that so many candidates make -- yell in the face of a potential voter that they're going to hell if they support Planned Parenthood. Instead, focus on the daunting decision to end the life of the unborn child being between the woman and her God... but that under no circumstances should the taxpayer be drawn into the matter by being forced to pay for someone else's abortion. Focus your five issues, or at least one flagship issue, on something that the incumbent who you will run against has been weak or worse on. I.e., find out how often the incumbent actually shows up for work, do they do townhalls in the district?, any financial scandals?, personal scandals, etc... It IS NOT DIRT if it's true. Make sure to always tell the truth, though rarely the whole truth. The attention of the average adult in this country is typically less than 50 seconds, on a good day.
Always remember the voter doesn't care about you. They care about themselves and their friends & family. They don't care what you think unless it is all about them. Always focus your effort on "what I can do for you" or "this is how fixing the bigger problem will make your life easier", etc... You being better at fixing their life is the only reason someone will vote for you over your incumbent opponent.
www.thomas.gov make it your go to place to learn about your opponents' voting record. Similarly, FEC.gov highlights donation and financial information. Spend some time at your largest county or college library researching archived articles on your opponent. Don't rely on the internet. Unflattering stuff gets scrubbed all the time.
Know your community. Is it matriarchal or patriarchal? That will tell you who to focus on when meeting with groups. Go to Democrat events and meetings as well. A good place to get your feet wet is with Veterans groups. There are many, many Dem Vets. Same with trade unions. If you're not part of any professional or civic groups, join right away. Go to events, offer to be a speaker at lunches & other gatherings. Make sure to tailor your speech to the interests of the groups that your presenting to and focus on swaying approval from the other party early on (while not alienating the other parties) and you will jump leaps and bounds above others. I.e., learn to walk verbal tight ropes. It sucks to have to do, but it is totally necessary if you don't want the campaign to be a complete waste of your time.
If you run under the GOP banner, reach out to your state GOP county chairmen and women; their county websites are easy to find. You need support, both logistical and financial. Don't be shy about asking for intros to financial backers. If you're not comfortable asking for money then partner up with a campaign fundraiser immediately. That will allow you to focus on the issues and BEING LIKEABLE while the fundraiser handles the begging for money part. Like with sales, people vote for the people they like, not the people they don't like.
Study up on how to write your own press releases. Make them pithy, interesting and relevant to local issues in your electoral district. Speaking of writing, prepare some standard answers to frequently asked questions. Write concise, pointed answers (if they want more than two sentences on the topic direct them to your website) on index cards and memorize the answers forward and backward (figuratively).
Grow an extra 2" to your skin -- rhetorically speaking, of course. You have to learn to let criticism roll off your back. Listen carefully to criticism and learn how to pick out sections that you can turn into a winning argument for yourself.
Always recognize the value of the criticism or question -- validate the asker. "That's a really important question. Thanks for asking here is the nuts and bolts of (the issue) ....
Study up on debating and public speaking. Join Toastmaster ASAP. Get as much good public exposure as possible. Incumbency is a huge advantage because they already have name recognition.
People inherently want to be positive, yet love gossip & dirt. And, fear is the single most powerful motivating emotion. Learn to use psyops with a fine tipped laser and leave the cleaving to the other side.
Finally, come up with a slogan or catch phrase that will really resonate with people today. If you're driving force is honesty then something like: I'll always tell you the truth because I'm a lousy liar. Or if justice is your driving force then I am an indiscriminate justice warrior always looking out folks without a voice in Washington, (or your county, or state, or local school board). Make yourself relatable, and really care 'cause there are so many Americans without any voice in matters today.
Guillotifa et, al., Yes, it does count as an "in kind" donation. No, charging a marginal fee does not relinquish "typical and customary" value being assessed by the FEC. 'Course, there is always a work around to the law, which is the way attorney/law makers like it. One possible work around here is the "personal gifting" rules of the IRS. If the individual is personally gifted the value of a website, without restrictions on usage, then the individual would be using his or her own personal property in the pursuit of their political aspirations. That is not considered a donation.
Or better yet, the generous OP could offer a "prize" as part his business marketing. The future candidate wins the prize that is valued under gambling winnings minimum and/or no tangible value can be established to the winner because the website is not yet built and remains an intangible. The OP could write off the marketing expense and the 'winner' could redeem his or her prize at a later date. The initial version of the website could be super basic WP template page, which the brilliant winner will later be able to customize due to free advice offered to customers by OP. Still some grey are a here, but workable.
Never tax evasion 'cause that's illegal. Always tax avoidance 'cause that's just smart business strategy.
Source, please.