Boss Tax gets a cut of whatever happens in the neighborhood, and he’s not going to be swayed by logic or sentimentality or the fact that he’s probably demanding a tribute greater than what his prey can reasonably afford. Even good luck comes with a penalty these days in the IRS’ book.
The tax man may be on the hunt for the super fan who caught Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit.
Christian Lopez, 23, recovered the prized ball his father fumbled after The Captain hammered it into their section of the stands in the third inning of the Yankees’ win over Tampa Bay on Saturday.
The Verizon salesman from Highland Mills, N.Y., gave the ball back to Jeter, whom he called an “icon,” and the Yankees lavished a slew of prizes, including luxury box seats for every remaining home game this season and post-season and some signed memorabilia, upon him.
Now the IRS wants a piece. The prizes Lopez received are estimated to be worth more than $32,000 — and, like game show contestants, Lopez may have to pay taxes on the gifts and prizes because the IRS considers them income.
