Mr. Sweepy's Forums

Hi everyone, E-prize is submitting another 1099 (almost half of what they first reported) - they gave me a break-down and sounds like they will not force me to take the travel membership.  I'm  very happy - they really took care of me!  Thank you so much your advice!!  We're sure looking forward to this trip :)

 Hope everyone has a great evening - take care and God bless!!

Hi, I just received my 1099 from eprize for the Hollywood Mom Giveaway....$14,549!!!!  All I received was airfare in the amount of $2,500 (which I used to book our tickets) and our trip is scheduled in June.  I also received a highchair and baby carrier (total retail value around $400).  No one has ever contacted me regarding some type of Indagare membership (which I think is quite costly - probably around 1,500) and some more baby products I was supposed to receive.    I never said anything because I didn't want this membership or the additional baby products that went along with the prize.    I thought I would be responsible for paying taxes on only the portion I used so far, $2,500 plus the baby highchair and carrier.   Since we are going in June the price per night for the resort drops from $2,200 per night to $1,200 per night.  The total ARV on this trip is no where near what they are reporting.   My questions are am I responsible THIS YEAR for paying taxes on the entire trip?  I'm sorry if my post is confusing...I guess I had a slight heart attack when I opened the 1099 from e-prize.  Should I call them and tell them I didn't receive the membership or the additional baby items?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!    

 I would call them.  Secondly, get the actual costs, if you can.  They will help to substantiate the difference in the 1099 and what you will claim in taxable income.  Having said this, you'd be best contacting a tax guy for more - and better- advice.  Good Luck!

 Unfortunately, I think you are responsible for taxes on everything you received.  I found that out because I left a certificate entitling me to a vacation in a hotel room and was never able to get it back!  Have to pay taxes on a trip I can't take unless I claim it was stolen from the room.  As far as the value of everything, if you can prove the actual cost you only have to claim that amount -- I won a trip to Final Four years ago and they were claiming value was much more that totalled air fare, hotel bill and Final Four tix -- I guess they were adding in prestige or something - lol --- anyway I was able to get verification for everything and was able to list actual value on income tax.  GOOD LUCK!

Hi Ashsky68

  Oh my gosh! My stomach would sink if I had gotten that 1099. Don't panic ( easier said then done). Make sure you have all your paper work in order & copies of everything so you can provide proof to eprize, IRS & Accounting people.  You should contact Eprize & sponsor to let them know of  your research info on the ARV of your per night rate, as well as the fact you did not receive the complete prize. I would do it in writing ( be sure to make a copy) & by phone. I hope it's not too late. Think about hiring a tax pro, if you can! It maybe cheaper & less of a headache in the long run instead of dealing with the  ghoulish IRS.

   I've never won anything huge so I have not had to actually handle scarey taxes. I wish I could give you clear guidance, but at least I've bumped your post to the top so a more experienced or knowledgable Member could come to the rescue with answers.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you & hoping your problem will be resolved favorably

dixiemuse

Well that's a bucket of cold water, eh?  I won a cruise in 2008 but didn't actually TAKE the cruise in 2009, and didn't get the 1099 until last week (for 2009). 

 I just went through this myself.  I ended up with a 1099 for much more than stated in the sweeps.  1) Call the sponser and find out if you can get a breakdown of the amount. 2) Go to all websites that sell the merchandise that you won--(airlines---for prices of airline tickets, baby product websites that can give you the fair market value of the merchandise, hotel website with cost of the room at the time you will be going.)  Make printouts of all this information for the IRS.  Next get a copy of IRS form 4598 on which you can dispute the value of the prize on your tax return.   Make sure you have the printout of the win and what is included as well as the value stated in the rules.  Hope this helps

Great info.  This answered many of my questions too.

Karen, that was excellent advice. You might figure eprize was involved.

I think you have to pay taxes on everthing included in the prize even If you don't use them.

Thanks for all your advice...I contacted eprize and I am waiting for a response.   Karen, I followed step by step your instructions...Dixie - you're a sweetheart....thanks for your help.  Hopefully eprize will get back with me on my questions and I can go from there.  I'll let you all know how it turns out!  I'm staying positive...