CARNAL NATION

Alina Percea, an 18-year-old Romanian woman who attends school in Germany, auctioned off her virginity last week to the highest bidder last week. Inspired by the $3.8 million recently paid to an American woman for her virginity, Percea hoped to raise $75,000 for her education, but she ended up settling for about $14,000, which was bid by an Italian businessman. The deed was done at a luxury hotel in Venice. Percea said of her first time: "I liked the man and got on with him well. He didn't look 45, and he seemed much younger. I was attracted to him, so I enjoyed it." She will most likely enjoy getting nailed by German tax authorities a lot less. After hearing about the auction, German inland revenue claimed that the auction was 'nothing more than prostitution,' which is legal but heavily taxed in Germany. "It is not a moral standpoint but a fiscal one," a tax official said. "Prostitution is not an illegal act in Germany, but not paying tax on earned money is. Consequently we are assessing her case and it looks likely she will have to pay around half of the sum she gained." Apart from the income tax, Percea may also be liable for paying value-added tax (VAT), the equivalent of sales tax, on the auction proceeds. Goods and services carry a hefty 19% tax in Germany, and Percea did service someone. Once all the taxes have been paid, Percea will have netted about $4,700 for her virginity. Now that's getting screwed!