Joe Francis - Francis Hit With $29 Million Tax Claim

GIRLS GONE WILD founder JOE FRANCIS is still not free of his financial woes - tax officials are demanding part payment of a $34 million (£21.3 million) bill, just weeks after dropping the case, according to a U.S. report.

Bosses at America's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed a lien against Francis for the cash in November (09), after he allegedly fell behind with payments in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Francis insisted he was baffled by the IRS claim and was relieved when chiefs dropped the massive demand last month (Feb10).

But IRS bosses admit they made a mistake dropping the case - and are now demanding a part payment of $29.4 million (£19.6 million) from Francis, according to TMZ.com.