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In Hollywood, movie stars can scale skyscrapers, run out of burning buildings, dodge bullets and find lost love.

But they can't, as it turns out, escape the Internal Revenue Service.

After watching movie stars receive well-publicized gift bags worth tens of thousands for making presentations at such events as the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, the IRS stood up and asked for its share.

Recently, the IRS announced an agreement with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organizes the Golden Globe Awards, regarding the taxability of gift bags and promotional items.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association agreed to resolve outstanding tax responsibilities with respect to Golden Globe Awards presenter gift baskets. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association voluntarily approached the IRS last year seeking to clarify the tax issues surrounding the gift baskets, as well as to ensure that any obligations for the prior years were met.

Under the agreement, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the IRS have settled the tax obligations with respect to gifts given through 2005. Recipients of 2006 gift boxes will be issued appropriate informational tax forms by the press association and will be responsible for satisfying their tax obligations.

Last year, the IRS started an outreach campaign aimed at the entertainment industry. This effort is focused on distribution of celebrity gift bags and goodie bags in conjunction with appearances by the stars at award shows and other gatherings. Such bags can include luxury trips, jewelry and electronics. Dozens of the award shows take place each year.

"The fact this gift bag practice grew so quickly is stranger than fiction," said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson said in a statement. "We're happy the Hollywood Foreign Press Association stepped forward to resolve this issue."

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the IRS which resolves all income tax obligations on the part of our presenters," said Philip Berk, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Last September, the press association discontinued the practice of thanking presenters with presenter boxes.

Since August, the IRS has contacted entertainment industry groups and others to focus attention on tax guidelines for gift bags and other promotional items.

What does that mean for you?

Nothing, unless you're a Tinseltown mogul, right?

Wrong.

For the past few years, the IRS has vigilantly increased audits and enforcement. This settlement with the Hollywood elite represents just one part of that vigilance.

The next part could involve you.

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Steven N. Klitzner is a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers, a consulting member of the Tax Freedom Institute, and an Aventura attorney.  You can contact him at 305-682-1118 to obtain a free subscription to his newsletter titled The IRS Times & Inquirer or call 305-654-0000 for a free copy of his special report.