taxbrewster Posted September 17, 2009 Report Posted September 17, 2009 Hi All, I had a T/P call me today to discuss an "opportunity" that was presented to him. Whenever, I hear that I flags go up... Long story short, his friend was going to be able to get precious gems at 25% FMV, they would appraise at full value and be certified by a gemologist. In turn the T/P would then donate the gem to a charity or "some charity" and receive a large tax deduction on his 8283 in the following year. Is this a scam? I think I understand what the friend is doing, it just sounds fishy. Can anyone shed some light on the this? Can't believe it is Sept already... Quote
Don in Upstate NY Posted September 17, 2009 Report Posted September 17, 2009 Long story short, his friend was going to be able to get precious gems at 25% FMV, they would appraise at full value and be certified by a gemologist. In turn the T/P would then donate the gem to a charity or "some charity" and receive a large tax deduction on his 8283 in the following year. Is this a scam? I think I understand what the friend is doing, it just sounds fishy. First of all, he has to hold the gems that he has "invested" in for over one year, or else his contribution is limited to his basis. Even then, the deduction only has value to the extent that he is above the 25% tax bracket. And that gemologist has to sign the 8283 that is submitted to the IRS, which is more serious appraisal than the usual "appraisals" given to customers in the jewelery trade. If he can actually buy the gems at 25% of FMV, he would be much better off to simply sell the gems at FMV immediately after he bought them. I can offer you a similar deal. I have some GE stock that I'll sell to you for half of what I paid for it. All you have to do is wait till it doubles, donate it, and take that big deduction. No appraisal necessary - just use the price as quoted in the WSJ. Quote
JohnH Posted September 17, 2009 Report Posted September 17, 2009 Tell your client that the "ding", "ding", "ding" sound he's hearing in the background when his friend calls him is a BS Alarm. He should listen to it. Quote
taxbrewster Posted September 18, 2009 Author Report Posted September 18, 2009 yes, i have very similar thoughts, thanks for the comments. Quote
jainen Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 >>be certified by a gemologist<< Would the appraisal happen before or after he pays his "friend"? If after, he's a fool. If before, he's a fence and why he would want to attract attention from Al Capone's nemesis is a mystery to me. Quote
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