>What is the rule on giving gifts to the museum at the end of the year and
>being able to take the income tax deduction? Does the gift have to be in
>possession of the museum by the end of the year, or is a verbal or written
>proposal of the gift (and perhaps written agreement to accept) necessary for
>the deduction to be honored. Thanks for your help.

Gail, the gift has to be in the possession of the museum, OR the museum's
agent, which could mean several things: 1) another museum might have it up
in their show and you do a loan agreement with them for the piece 2)  your
trucker has picked it up and its in transit to you, 3) you can start paying
the bills at the owner's storage location. It cannot, however, be in the
owners possession.  Yes, get a deed dated this year.


Suzanne

************
Suzanne Quigley
Head Registrar, Collections and Exhibitions
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10128
212 423 3568
fax: 212 423 3650
email: [log in to unmask]