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  • 1.  Postage Fee as Premium

    Posted 10-29-2025 04:31 PM

    We are doing an initiatve for alumni to get a block set for a donation. We have the amount of the item as the premium amount on the donation, but there will be a shipping fee as well. Since the foundation will need to make the payment for the shipping fee, should that count as part of the premium amount for the donor?

    Thank you in advance!

    Colleen



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    Colleen Deal
    Appalachian State University
    dealcf@appstate.edu
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  • 2.  RE: Postage Fee as Premium

    Posted 10-29-2025 04:55 PM
    I have not seen the IRS come right out and say whether those costs should be included. What the IRS does state is that the FMV is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller. It stands to reason that when you "buy" something you are expected to pay for shipping (unless you are an Amazon Prime member ��).

    I have known organizations to "build" shipping costs into the benefit value without itemizing them. I have also known organizations that haven't worried about those costs.

    From a John Taylor perspective, if the shipping costs are substantial, I would add them to the value of the benefit if it is necessary to deliver the benefit (some donors may opt to pick it up).

    If the cost is nominal (insubstantial, to use IRS lingo), I would not.

    Ultimately, this question should be asked of and answered by Counsel.

    John

    John H. Taylor, Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier Street
    Durham, NC     27705

    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987






  • 3.  RE: Postage Fee as Premium

    Posted 11-03-2025 03:04 PM

    This was very helpful! The amount is minimal ($5) for the fee and there is an option to pick up, so we are not going to include it. Thank you for the feedback on this!



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    Colleen Deal
    Appalachian State University
    dealcf@appstate.edu
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    Original Message


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