Donating gold/silver to the campaign - is it allowed?

[Wren]

I plan on donating cash as well, but I was also interested in sending the campaign 2-3 1oz silver eagles. It would only be fitting because of the moneybomb's name, but I have to ask since I've never donated this to a campaign before: is this even allowed? If so, is it as simple as sending it in the mail? Thanks

[sailingaway]

I would think yes, but they would have to value it properly and I don't know how they would do that under FEC rules. You could ask them, though. I'll bet it is a question they have been asked before.

[Wren]

Nevermind, I just found a good read at the daily paul. Funny thing is that I searched "presidential campaigns gold/silver donation" didn't even search for Ron Paul's name and it popped up as the first result :D

http://www.dailypaul.com/156313/how-to-legally-donate-70000-to-ron-pauls-2012-presidential-campaign-vs-2500

[sailingaway]

Be very careful. A guy went to prison paying employees 'face value' of gold coins recently. It was for taxes, all liked it -- except the IRS.

I'd be astonished if the campaign didn't accept gold and silver, but I'm pretty sure the government will make certain it is valued as an in kind exchange, rather than legal tender, although I guess pre 1964 coins might possibly be an exception (just guessing). The government is very good at having it both ways, and the IRS makes you prove you're innocent, remember. (I loved when Ron threw that in Geithner's face and G didn't know what to say.)

[Wren]

Yeah, I don't plan on using this method to donate over the legal limit (not that I can anyway) nor do I recommend anyone else to. The campaign is better equipped with straight cash but sending a few silver coins seems to be relatively harmless

[Danke]

Be very careful. A guy went to prison paying employees 'face value' of gold coins recently. It was for taxes, all liked it -- except the IRS.



Link?

[sailingaway]

Link?

It was more than a year ago, in Nevada I think. I'll take a stab at getting one, but no promises.

here's one going the other way for the employees, but I'm remembering the boss was treated differently

http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2007/10/366287.shtml

Here: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/17/businessman-robert-kahre-sentenced-tax-fraud-schem/