Hey there! This is an update on what’s happening with Iffy Books, which I posted on Patreon a few days ago. There’s good news and bad news.
The good news is that if we renew our lease starting in January, the rent will more or less remain the same. I haven’t signed anything yet, but I’d love to dig in and stay for another couple years.
The bad news is we’re dealing with a city tax bill. Since Philadelphia repealed its small business exemption to the BIRT (Busness Income & Receipts Tax) for 2025 and retroactively for 2024, we ended up owing $5000 in all. Half is for 2025, and the other half was applied to 2024 because I reported $0 in profit that year. It’s a weird system. I filed on October 15th without making a full payment to the city, which means the clock is ticking until the BIRT bill goes to collections. Will it take a month? Two months? What will the consequences be? We may find out empirically.
To help make up the gap in the short term, now would be a great time to stop by the shop and pick up a book or electronics kit. If you appreciate what we’re doing and have the money to spare, consider making a one-time donation by Venmo (@iffybooks) or a recurring donation on Patreon (https://patreon.com/iffybooks).
I have a few weeks to decide what to do. I want to keep running the shop because it feels worthwhile, and people really seem to appreciate it. I love being here. Selling books, running workshops, chatting with folks from around Philly and beyond. In addition to books, I think we’re the only hobby electronics shop left in the city.
If it weren’t for this tax bill, I could probably muddle through and count on the holiday season to keep things rolling. But here we are. The less preferable option, needless to say, is selling off our remaining books and closing at the end of the year. If that happens … it’ll be a lot to handle, but I’ll be OK.
I’m proud of keeping Iffy Books going for 5 years, and really grateful for the part y’all have played in it. Whatever’s next, thank you so much!
-steve