By Debbie Schlussel
Remember all of those celebrities campaigning for Gore and Kerry, who said they are so rich they don’t want or need the Bush tax cut?
Well, they really didn’t mean it. You see, celebrities like to fight off the IRS and keep more of their money, too.
Why else are they all whining about having to pay taxes on goodie bags worth more than $60,000, given out at the “Golden Globes,” Monday? They’re lucky that–unlike average Americans who win prizes in contests, lotteries, etc.–the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which runs the “Globes” paid their taxes for the 2004 and 2005. Regular Americans must pay these taxes, themselves.

Actor Greg Grunberg Upset About Taxes on “Golden Globes” Freebies
Yup, welcome to reality, Hollywood. The IRS has caught up with you, finally enforcing the tax laws that are enforced against the rest of America. USA Today has an article about it, featuring a whiny people who make more per episode than most Americans make in a year or two:

“I’ve been acting for 20 years now,” jokes Greg Grunberg of NBC’s Heroes. “Of course, the year a show I’m on is nominated, Uncle Sam decides to start handing out traffic tickets.”

Doesn’t sound like a joke to me. More like a whine. And not a very fine whine, at that.

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.
“The IRS has called and faxed me information, but they have not called to see who received what product,” says Feinstein, who had a suite for the Emmys in August. “I don’t even know what each celebrity received unless each sponsor gives me a detailed account.”

The taxman cometh for everyone. Nice that Hollywood is finally getting theirs.
So, what was that they were saying about having enough money, not needing a tax cut, and needing to pay more? Well, now that they’re getting their chance, looks like they really didn’t mean it.