Swag proves taxing ; Golden Globes group ponies up to Uncle Sam for past freebies FINAL Edition

The IRS announced Wednesday that HFPA paid back taxes on gift baskets given out in 2004 and 2005. Says HFPA president Philip Berk: "I didn't think it was fair to ask stars to pay for something they received three years ago, so we were happy to do it. But, the truth is, it became a burden f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inUSA today (Arlington, Va.)
Main Author Karen Thomas and Dana Meltzer Zepeda
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published McLean, Va USA Today, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc 12.01.2007
Subjects
Gifts
Golden Globe awards
Rites & ceremonies
Taxation
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Summary:The IRS announced Wednesday that HFPA paid back taxes on gift baskets given out in 2004 and 2005. Says HFPA president Philip Berk: "I didn't think it was fair to ask stars to pay for something they received three years ago, so we were happy to do it. But, the truth is, it became a burden for us." The organization will send tax forms to stars who took home last year's gift box (worth $60,000), and those celebs are responsible for paying the back taxes. A backstage celebrity gift "retreat" will be set up during Golden Globe rehearsals at the Beverly Hilton, where nominees and presenters can grab Fendi sunglasses and a trip to French Polynesia. Or, perhaps, they'll want only a pair of cashmere socks and toothpaste. "They can take it all, or take nothing," says Backstage Creations' Karen Wood, who will have tax forms on hand for stars. Private, off-site gifting suites -- which have no official link to the Golden Globes -- are still taking place. Suite organizer Kari Feinstein, who's hosting one at a private mansion, will provide stars with tax paperwork. She hopes this will encourage A-listers to accept presents such as Tacori diamond necklaces, Villa Malibu vacation rentals and Moni Moni leather handbags.
ISSN:0734-7456