• HFPA

HFPA AND IRS REACH PRESENTER GIFTBOX ACCORD

January 10, 2007
—
HFPA
Contact: Michael Russell                                                         
                            (310) 939-9024
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                
 
 
 
HOLLYWOOD, CA, January 10, 2007 – The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the Internal Revenue Service announced today that they had reached a mutually satisfactory agreement that will resolve outstanding tax responsibilities with respect to Golden Globe Awards gift boxes.

            The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) voluntarily approached the IRS last year seeking to clarify the tax issues surrounding the presenter boxes, as well as to ensure that any obligations for the prior years were met. Under the closing agreement, the HFPA and the IRS have settled the tax obligations with respect to presenter boxes given through 2005.  The HFPA will issue appropriate informational tax forms to recipients of 2006 boxes, who will be responsible for satisfying their income tax obligations, and beginning with 2007, the HFPA has ceased giving presenter boxes.

            “We appreciate the Hollywood Foreign Press Association coming forward to resolve this issue,” IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson said. “We’re pleased that the groups holding award ceremonies are keeping in mind the tax consequences of gift bags and other promotional items.”

            Last year, the IRS started an outreach campaign aimed at the entertainment industry. This effort focused on distribution of celebrity gift bags and presenter boxes in conjunction with appearances by the stars at award shows and other gatherings.

            "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the IRS," said Philip Berk, HFPA president.  "We thought it only proper that we assume the tax burden for 2004 and 2005; we felt it didn’t seem fair to ask those who had donated their services to pay additional tax after they had already filed tax returns for those years."
 
#   #   #   #