BrianGarst.com

Imagine you’re a big-time Yankees fan (difficult, I know, but pretend you didn’t kill yourself over it), and not only do you witness Derek Jeter’s historic home-run to mark the 3,000th hit of his career, but you even caught the ball! Being the good fan that you are, you gave it to Jeter with no expectations. The Yankees then returned your generosity with season tickets and autographed memorabilia.

Now read this:

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.

Some estimate the IRS will put Lopez on the hook for anywhere between $5,000 and $13,000, reports the Daily News.

Too bad you didn’t imagine living in something other than a tyrannical state with a thuggish government, where good deeds might manage to go unpunished. Next time be more specific.

IRS thuggery