I know. It’s sad that you have to sometimes turn down “free” prizes just because they aren’t worth paying the taxes on. I’ve had to turn down 3 bigger wins just because they were items that weren’t worth it to me to claim.
I have won admittance to a few events before myself. What I find crazy is that you don’t get much advanced notice to make arrangements to go. The event has always been within a few days of being notified that you won. Not sure if this was the same in your case or not.
I’ve only had to have a prize notarized once and it was only valued at $200 so yeah not sure what the reasoning is behind that since it’s not over $600. I honestly think they do it hoping you don’t claim the prize 🤷🏻♀️
I had to show my local Kroger the letter that came with coupons so they knew I didn’t have fake coupons because they wouldn’t scan. They finally let me have the TP but was such a hassle.