Uncle Sam Wants His Due from The Oscar and Emmy Gift Bags

At the last year's Oscars, the IRS got its share of the expensive gift bags, given to the stars that appeared as special presenters or even to those that did not win an award and were offered 'small' compensations.

As the date for the Emmys is rapidly closing in, the IRS posted an announcement on its official site, stipulating that all the 'attentions' that the celebrities will receive will be considered taxable income.

'It's important to keep in mind that movie stars face the same tax obligations as ordinary Americans', IRS Commissioner said, referring to the posh thank-you bags that, more often than not, include various items valued at up to $70,000.

The offering of a gift bag after an important ceremony has become a tradition since the early 1970s because, as the Academy President said, it's more than important to keep the stars happy. In most cases, these include jewelry, mobile phones, designer clothes, four-star hotel stays, electronics, cosmetic products, spa treatments and gift certificates for fancy dinners.

So, this year, both at the Emmys and at the Oscars, celebrities will have to sign an agreement with the IRS before accepting the presents, according to which they are aware of the fact that they are supposed to pay taxes for them. 'The Academy would still like to be able to express its gratitude but we don't know yet how we might do that. There are no plans as yet', a spokesperson for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said yesterday.