|
|
Earlier this year, we told you about the refund available to taxpayers for the now defunct telephone excise tax. And in a strange twist, the IRS has only paid about half the $8 billion they earmarked to distribute.
You may not know that the telephone excise tax was originally created in 1898 to help the US government fund the Spanish-American War - a conflict with Spain over Cuban independence that lasted a grand total of 109 days. (For you history buffs, click here for more information on the Spanish-American War and here for more details than you'd ever want on the excise tax.) After citizens had paid the tax off and on for approximately 108 years, the IRS lost a number of lawsuits and agreed to a refund program. In the IRS's defense, they were understandably reluctant to trust those shifty Spaniards. Considering what Cortez did to the Aztecs, we applaud their caution.
Anyway, if you've not gotten your fair share of the excise tax refunds, make sure you request it on your next tax return. You can request your actual amount paid from 2003 - 2006 if you've got old phone bills to prove the amount, or simply accept the standard refund of $30 - $60.
On the other hand, if a refund is not important, you can always donate it to finally end the War of 1812. With enough folks contributing, we should be able to put those pesky Brits in their place once and for all.
To ask a question, request additional information,
or unsubscribe, simply reply to this message. And if you know of anyone who may be interested in "Taxing Details,"
don’t hesitate to pass it along.