Declining a sweepstakes prize?

[Kotik]

I've never had to do it so I will appreciate your input. I don't think we will able to use this trip, so what steps do I need to take to make sure this doesn't show up on my taxes as liability? I already had to submit an affidavit because otherwise they didn't want to tell me what I have won. What's the best way to talk about cash alternative?
Thanks in advance.

Thank you for entering The Moorings Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes. Your exhaustive quest including deciphering clues and searching for the Golden Key has been rewarded. We are pleased to inform you that you are the GRAND PRIZE WINNER, entitling you to your choice of one of the following:

Moorings Bareboat Charter on a 4000 Catamaran Club in the BVI for 6 nights/7 days with provisioning for 4
OR
Moorings Power Charter on a 372 PowerCat in the BVI with fuel for 6 nights/7 days with provisioning for 4
OR
Moorings Crewed Yacht Stateroom Vacation for 2 in the BVI for 6 nights/7 days

[Doodle741]

If you hadn't filled out an affy, I would say it's done ... but maybe you can ask them for a note that says you declined?

[ClooneysGal]

This dosent sound to me like a possible cash alternative since the prize is the same as the company offering the sweep so to them the cost is minimal.
I would call them and say something came up like you started a new job with no vacation time or something where you regretfully have to decline and take it from there. I have been able to turn in 2 trip wins to cash using that method!

[tat2gurl]

Originally Posted by ClooneysGal

This dosent sound to me like a possible cash alternative since the prize is the same as the company offering the sweep so to them the cost is minimal.
I would call them and say something came up like you started a new job with no vacation time or something where you regretfully have to decline and take it from there. I have been able to turn in 2 trip wins to cash using that method!

I agree..I have never had that problem but I know CG knows what shes talking about
I would try her suggestion R..GL

[snavem]

Originally Posted by tat2gurl

I agree..I have never had that problem but I know CG knows what shes talking about
I would try her suggestion R..GL

That or you've been laid off and can't afford the taxes ...

Or see if it would be possible for you to let some of your family members go instead. You know your ebay cousins or craig's list in laws.

[Guillotine]

First, I would say "thank you SO much! This is amazing and so generous of you!" Whatever "fawning" things you can think of.

Next, you say "I am so sorry, though, I am not able to travel. I was entering for one of the flip video cameras, actually. This trip just sounds so wonderful, but I am afraid I will have to decline it. This is so disappointing. I never thought I could win something like this. Is there any way that I could accept the smaller prize, possibly?" A little chuckle and/or desperate voice here works well.


( I'm rooting for ya, kiddo - I hope they give you something at least. And yes, like Doodle said, just ask that they please send you a confirmation email that you declined the prize. )

[dstam015]

That stinks R. But I can offer nothing better than whats already been said. Hope it all works out.

[Kotik]

Thanks for your help everyone Unfortunately there is no cash alternative and no alternative prize .. oh well, I tried

[Doodle741]

Originally Posted by Kotik

Thanks for your help everyone Unfortunately there is no cash alternative and no alternative prize .. oh well, I tried

SORRY!! I'll let you know if Mountain Dew posts something with a Flip!

[FreebiesRGreat]

Can they legally require you to fill out an affy and accept tax responsibility without telling you the prize first? I mean, what's to stop them from saying "You won a crate full of goats! We know it's not in the rules, but we do have the right to substitute a prize".

I would think they'd have to say "You're a potential winner of ________" first.

(or maybe I'm not caffeinated enough and my brain isn't processing something correctly. LOL)