I disagree, but everyone's situation is different. When I take on a large pro bono project it's going to be for someone who appreciates my time and wants me to be able to get whatever non-monetary benefit is available. My accountant doesn't need to get into the details and it doesn't take her any extra time, all she needs to see is that I have cancelled checks for donations I made to non-profit agencies. There's nothing wrong with making a donation to an organization you work for, especially if they are doing good work in the world. Lynne On Dec 4, 2008, at 11:44 AM, Jan Werner wrote: > I can see why the accountants love this, particularly if they are > paid by the hour, but otherwise I don't see any advantage in this > approach. > > All you are doing is relabeling your pro bono work as a cash > donation, but you cannot legally gain any tax or other material > benefit from doing this. In general, most service providers and > professionals are better served by the good will generated from > recognition for pro bono work than for making cash donations to a > cause. > > Jan Werner > ___________ > > Lynne Rudié wrote: >> ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's >> area. >> ** If you did, we all thank you. >> Here's what I do for pro bono work, when the deduction is important >> enough (i.e. when the amount is large enough). I bill for the work >> and get paid for it and then write the organization a check for the >> amount they have paid me. This way they get to deduct the cost of >> my services as an expense and I get to deduct it as a donation. >> It's very clean and clear, and the accountants love it. >> However, for smaller bits of work, the return in good will (and >> possibly future referrals) is more than enough compensation. >> Especially if I can do the work when I'm not over-the-top busy with >> paying clients. And an organization that is willing (and able) to >> plan ahead for when they need to the work to be done is probably >> going to be a better client than one who can't, whether I'm getting >> paid for the work or not. >> Lynne >> _______________________________________________ >> Hidden-discuss mailing list - home page: http://www.hidden-tech.net >> Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net >> You are receiving this because you are on the Hidden-Tech >> Discussion list. >> If you would like to change your list preferences, Go to the >> Members page on the Hidden Tech Web site. >> http://www.hidden-tech.net/members