Count on the IRS to pour cold water on Oscar night.
IRS Commissioner Mark Everson, noting reports that stars' goodie bags would be valued at over $100,000, issued a statement Friday reminding recipients the gifts qualify as taxable income and must be reported on tax returns. "As the world watches the glamour and glitz of the Academy Awards, it's important to keep in mind that movie stars face the same tax obligations as ordinary Americans," Everson said.
After wishing nominees "best of luck," the commissioner tried to keep it light via referencing a trio of Oscar nommed-films.
"We want to make sure the stars walk the line when it comes to these goodie bags," he said. "These things aren't given without pride and prejudice. There is a tax implication for them. We just want to make sure no one crashes into the tax code."
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com