[MR] Art donations and deductions

[Michelle McDaniel]

Lady Lucy, et al.

You make some very good points but I will have to respectfully disagree
with you on a few.

I very much believe in planning ahead and think that now is the time for
our kingdom's artists and artisans to consider how this Bill might affect
them. If they think it would be of personal benefit, then now is the time
for advocacy.

The Bill, of which we speak, is S1186 (109th Congress, first session)
introduced by Mr. Domenici, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Allard, and Mr.
Coleman. The section which is of most interest is Section 3.

As it is written in legalese, I find it hard to decipher. Luckily, several
terms are defined within the text of the Bill. After reading it, I think
that there are any number of pieces created specifically for the SCA, that
just might fit under this legislation.  It wouldn't be your average AOA
scroll, but peerage scrolls and regalia, as well as royal regalia, may well
be covered by this.

The Bill does not say that the items have to be done by a "professional
artist". We are blessed in Atlantia with numerous artists and artisans who
create stunningly beautiful works of art but few who are able to either
support themselves through their art or even get paid for what they do.

Appraisals do cost money but for certain items, it is worth it.

The time length is indeed troublesome. When I first read it, I had thought
it meant that the work had to be delivered within 18 months. Sometimes, I
think, legalese ought to be a required second language in high school ;-)

Yours in service,

**aelfwynn of whitby**