Tax Season

Last week, I filed my federal and state taxes. It was easy. I know as my life gets more complicated in the next few years the process will likely get more difficult.  There is one very simple way to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation during tax season, no matter how complex or confusing your taxes may be – the Corndog Checkoff.

  

By simply checking line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or line 14 of 1040A, a portion of your return will go straight to the Blue Ribbon Foundation to be used for renovation on the Fairgrounds. New projects like the MidAmerican Energy Stage, phase one of Ruan Plaza and updates to the Youth Inn will all be complete by this year's Fair.  It doesn't have to be a large amount of your return. The minimum amount you're able to check-off is $1. If avid Fair-goers across the state each gave a small donation, it could turn out to be a great fundraising effort for the Foundation. In its 21st year, the Corndog Checkoff has raised more than $1.7 million.

 

Since January, Jenna has been working on promoting the Corndog Checkoff with press releases, postcard mailings, and radio interviews. I’ll be completely honest, before working for the Blue Ribbon Foundation I didn't know a lot about the program. What I’ve learned and tried to share with others is that the Corndog Checkoff is an easy way for Iowa residents to make a huge impact for the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

 

Now as I patiently wait for my tax return, I’ve been thinking about what I might do with the extra money making its way into my bank account. I know the responsible thing is to put the money in my savings account or toward my students loans. Right now with the cold weather and potential snow flurries, I’m thinking about a Mexico vacation. 

 

I encourage you to keep the Corndog Checkoff in mind as you're filing your taxes in the next month. If you are a Corndog Checkoff supporter - spread the word! Remember, it only takes $1 to make a huge difference. The more people that are aware of the Checkoff, the more people will donate. If you are a tax preparer, we have information that you can make available to your clients. Email Jenna with any questions. 

 

Corndog Checkoff contributions are anonymous to the Foundation, therefore making it impossible to recognize those individuals. Although the gifts are nameless, they are extremely significant and greatly appreciated. 

 

 

A Corndog Checkoff billboard from when the program first started:

 

Work on the first phase of Ruan Plaza:

 

Construction continues on the MidAmerican Energy Stage: