War reparations

In the "do you know where your money is going?" department, a coworker sent this to me the other day:

"This was published in Money Magazine this month and has been confirmed by the IRS's hotline. Save this information for your 2006 taxes:

Little known fact: To help finance the Spanish American War, the US levied a 3% tax on long-distance phone service.

Littler known fact: Until recently you were still paying it.

Well known fact: The war ended in 1898.

After 108 years of peace with Spain, on your 2006 tax return you'll be able to claim a credit for the past three years' worth of taxes.

HOW TO COLLECT: The IRS will offer two options for claiming a refund. The standard amount, which requires NO documentation, will be around $50 (the average tax paid over the past three years). If you spend hours gabbing with someone two states away and want to claim more, scan old bills for the "Federal Excise Tax" line item. Detailed information will be available when the 2006 tax filing season begins."

Normally I'd comment, but I think this speaks for itself...