RE: Wendy Young's column, Artists are generous with the beauty they have to offer.
I was thrilled to read Wendy Young's article in the Friday, Aug. 12 edition. It is a long overdue acknowledgment.
What wasn't mentioned in the article, however, is the cost that artists incur when they donate their art. Even as the sister of an artist, I was not aware until recently that Revenue Canada does not allow artists to simply write off the cost of a donation.
When you or I make a donation, we can use a percentage to reduce our taxable income, and that's that. Artists can claim the deduction as well, if, as Wendy mentioned, they are given a receipt.
They must, however, also claim the "fair market value" of the donation as income. In certain circumstances, an artist must also pay the HST.
I wonder how many of us would continue to be as willing to donate if we were penalized in the same manner for our generosity.
Ann Kovacic
Prince George
