That doesn't make sense to me. If they pay you out as an employee I'm pretty sure they have a higher tax liability on their end then if they pay you out as a contestant. I guess they may have to do this to get around some gambling laws in some areas of the country/world.
There are two different kinds of employees in the United States: regular employees, and independent contractors. Independent contractors are subject to far less taxation, by the employer and employee. Not only that, but it completely eliminates the "gambling question".
Maybe it's just because I've always been a really big fan of game shows, but you have to understand the psychology of something like this. People like big, round numbers, especially multiples of 5 or 10, or numbers that can be expressed in a larger-sounding amount, such as saying "half a million dollars" instead of "five hundred thousand dollars". It's the same reason why stores price things at $9.99 instead of $10. And it's the same reason why JCPenney recently abandoned their experimental "flat pricing" and went back to coupons, sales, and discounts.
Magic players are not immune to such simple psychological tactics.
If that was the case they'd probably say so. I'm guessing that you'll still be paying taxes on the winnings. Plus, the amount paid should vary from person to person based on their earnings and other prize winnings throughout the year, no?
Little-known fact: I know StarCityGames does this, I don't know about other tournament organizers, but they give you a 1099 form if/when you win prize money.
Then why are you asking for a ruling on rules that you made up yourself?
And Plumeveil. (Although the pun is cute.)
And Rite of Replication.
And check out their innovative mechanics, such as trample, defender, flying, indestructible, lifelink, haste, hexproof, vigilance, and first strike!
http://hextcg.gamepedia.com/Cards
If they seem pretty easy to understand, it's because the rules of Hex are virtually identical to Magic.
Compare the following:
Yesterday to Evacuation.
Poca, the Conflagrater to Rakka Mar.
Onslaught to Overrun.
And don't forget Serra Angel with a miracle cost.
There are two different kinds of employees in the United States: regular employees, and independent contractors. Independent contractors are subject to far less taxation, by the employer and employee. Not only that, but it completely eliminates the "gambling question".
Magic players are not immune to such simple psychological tactics.
There is no legal requirement or statute about what constitutes a "50K" event. What sounds better:
"We're giving out APPROXIMATELY FORTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS in prizes!"
or
"We're giving out FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS in prizes!"
?
Little-known fact: I know StarCityGames does this, I don't know about other tournament organizers, but they give you a 1099 form if/when you win prize money.
They essentially "hire" you. It's quite clever.
Absolutely goddamn magnificent. One of the best movies I have ever seen in my entire life and without a doubt the best movie of the year.
I've seen it twice already and I'm seeing it again next weekend.
Can you people make up your damn minds?