First, here are my sources on the U.S. Tax Burden:
http://www.newsobserver.com/622/story/1482447.html
http://www.taxfoundation.org/
These are the web sites that zipped by too quickly to read:
http://www.joepuente.com
http://www.joepuente.net
http://www.utahfilmworks.com
My Resumes:
http://www.joepuente.com/jlpresume.pdf
http://www.joepuente.net/jpresume.pdf
And here are the details on my little pitch (the fine print, if you will):
Yes, I am totally serious.
What's the point of making such a proposition? To show people in the upper brackets that even after taxes they're doing much better (assuming they're living within their means) than the other 95% of Americans who are much more seriously effected by taxes even at lower rates.
But let's review the basic components of my proposal so I can clarify my use of certain semantics.
I speak of putting "your money where MY mouth is," services "that I can offer," a promise that "I pay all appropriate federal and state taxes," that "I will donate a portion of that money...reducing MY net proceeds to 50%" and that "I won't claim a deduction," "Leaving ME with $100,000" but you will note that I do not use the word "income" in reference to ME.
When I do contract work of any kind--videography, writing, acting, etc.--I operate through my non profit, Utah FilmWorks. All proceeds, either through contracts or direct donations, go toward fulfilling the organization's mission. I DO NOT draw a salary (my personal income is unrelated to my efforts with the organization) BUT I do make all decisions regarding how organization funds are spent so, in that sense, it certainly feels like "my money" even though technically it isn't; though when the organization has no funds in its bank account, I will often make certain purchases (MiniDV tapes, travel, equipment, etc.) for which I can be compensated later. I have also invested a great deal of my own money over the years into the purchase of equipment and overhead costs. Utah FilmWorks has a board of Trustees, including myself (I also serve as President), and a Vice President but I run the organization on my own making periodic reports to my V.P. and the other Trustees. Utah FilmWorks is a registered "non profit corporation" in the State of Utah but does NOT have tax exempt status under 501(c)(3) statutes THUS it is still subject to corporate taxes on funds received for services rendered.
That being said, I want it to be understood that my use of the words "I," "Me" and "My"--within the context of the proposal--are essentially stand-in pronouns in reference to Utah FilmWorks (which is essentially MY organization). But I also want it to be understood that my continuing investment of time, energy and capital into Utah FilmWorks also makes it a very PERSONAL project. I benefit through personal satisfaction and having the opportunity to use Utah FilmWorks' equipment for my own projects (that are within the stated mission of the organization).
So, I do not want anyone to think that I'm not making a sacrifice just because the money doesn't go directly to me where it can be taxed as income. That's why I am offering to make some cash donations to cover any differences between corporate tax rates and those on personal income to the point of reducing the net proceeds by 50%.
Why am I doing this instead of accepting payment directly?
Utah FilmWorks is my passion and since my personal needs are already met, I would like to see it continue to serve my community. I've accomplished quite a bit since the organization started out as Utah Filmmakers in 2002 and did it with very little money. Having learned from day one to be frugal with our resources, $100,000 would go a long way to doing good for the community.
As for the donations in fine arts education, there are two schools that I have worked with closely over the years, North Sanpete High School and Wasatch Academy, that I would like to show my appreciation to; specifically their drama programs. There's also a contemporary art gallery in my community that I have close ties with and would like to contribute to as well.
http://www.nsh.nsanpete.k12.ut.us/
http://www.wacad.org/
http://www.cuartcenter.org/
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I Am Wasatchby WasatchAcademyTigers2,021 views
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