ANSWER: We’ve all seen it — a contestant jumping up and down, clapping hands, squealing with excitement over the big prize he or she just won on whichever game show — a trip to Bermuda, home furnishings, or even a new car. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic? It might be more interesting if the cameras kept rolling after the credits, however, because that tends to be when reality sets in.
The short answer to your question is, “Not usually.” The longer story is that not only do game shows’ producers rarely offer cash equivalents of the prizes a person wins (with a few exceptions, like when there might be a problem with a certain prize’s availability), but when a person wins big, so does the tax man. After federal and state taxes, a winner might feel a bit gypped.
If the game show is taped in California, for instance, then at least a portion of the state tax must be paid when the winner claims the prize, so any dreams a contestant has of driving that new Lexus off the stage and taking a road trip home might be squelched — unless he or she has a few extra thousand dollars to hand over on the spot. Also, if you don’t live next door to the studio where they film the show, then you may also be looking at paying shipping costs to bring your new hot tub or boat to your home. At least when a prize is cash, then there is no upfront cost to the contestant, but taxes must still be paid on the amount eventually.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Secret Rabbit strikes again! A few weeks ago, having finished my shopping at Hannaford, I remembered I was given a gift card for Christmas. Much to my surprise, I couldn’t find it. Not to keep shoppers in back of me, I told the cashier to remove my order. I went and sat on the bench to try to find the gift card. The cashier came over and told me to stop looking, that the lady in back of me paid my order. There will be a candle burning this coming Sunday at Holy Family for my Secret Bunny. God Bless. Happy Easter. — Rachelle, No Town.
ANSWER: Sun Spots is always happy to hear of people’s kind acts in the community. As always, Sun Spots encourages you to find your own way to pay the kindness forward. You just never know the difference you are making in a person’s life with just a small random act of love.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Maine State Grange has become a drop off location for the Coups for Troops program. Danville Junction Grange is supporting this community service project by asking people to send manufacturer coupons to us. We will then send them on to assorted military locations around the world. Those serving in the military and their families can use these coupons up to four months after the expiration at their commissaries. Please send coupons to Steven Haycock c/o Danville Jct. Grange at 44 Pond Road, Raymond, ME 04071. Thank you in advance for your support. — Steven, Raymond.
Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
