I am sure most of the US members already know about the tax credit refunding the federal excise tax on long distance phone bills. I just wanted to share some basic info for taking the credit on your tax return (even if you did not have to file a tax return). Every little bit helps and it is an easy deduction to figure.
The credit is taken on:
Form 1040 Line 71
Form 1040A line 42
Form 1040EZ line 9
If you do not need to file a tax return you can file for the credit using Form 1040EZT line 1a. This option will allow you to use the 1040/1040A format and claim according to how many depends you would have been able to claim if you had filed a tax return.
You will have a choice of taking a pre-determined amount (safe harbor amount) and will not need any records or actual expenses with a required paper record of the expenses. In the past the safe harbor amount is the best option for most people and only a few would benefit from taking the actual expenses. This is also true for the sales tax deduction that may be taken on Schedule A instead of the deduction for state taxes paid.
If you choose to file the actual amount you will need to file Form 8913. The amount of the credit will also depend on the number of exemptions you claim (1040 line 6d, 1040a line 6d)
0 Deductions:$0.00
1 Deduction:$30.00
2 Deductions:$40.00
3 Deductions:$50.00
4 or more deductions:$60.00
For 1040ez is as follows:
If your filing status is single and you did not check any boxes your standard amount is $30: If your filing status is married filing jointly and you only one box on line 5, your standard amount is $30. If your filing status is married filing jointly and you did not check any boxes on line 5, your standard amount $40.
