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Advertising a Sweepstakes Drawing

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Question: 
Our bank is planning a sweepstakes drawing with radio and newspaper ads to promote it. Including all sweepstakes rules would be cumbersome. Are there any in particular that must be included? Is it okay to state, "Full details available at any branch location."? Also, is the value reportable on a 1099? If so, would we report the considered retail value, or may we use the bank's purchase price?
Answer: 

State laws control what disclosures must be made and how they must be available. Referring them only to a branch for the rules may be considered onerous/burdensome. This is especially so if you draw people into the branch, only to tell them they don't qualify for entry because of their age, where they live, etc. Winners would be subject to tax reporting on a 1099-Misc when the value of the winnings are $600 or more.

First published on BankersOnline.com 10/19/09

First published on 10/19/2009

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