IRS, FCC reach out to soldiers

Wednesday, April 9, 2003 | 9:01 a.m.

Two federal agencies are reaching out to military members deployed to the Persian Gulf.

The IRS is offering a new web page created especially for those in the armed forces, and the Federal Communications Commission is resuming a program to help service members find the best deals for calling home.

The IRS has established a link called "Armed Forces Tax Benefits" on its website irs.gov that details tax benefits specific to the military.

Among the topics addressed on the website are the tax-free status of combat pay and tax deadline extensions. Service members may also inform the IRS of their combat status via e-mail from the site.

In its program the FCC is distributing copies of five brochures to military offices throughout the world.

The brochures are "Calling Home: What You Should Know -- A Guide for the U.S. Military," "Get Connected: Afford-A-Phone," "About the FCC: A Consumer Guide to Our Organization, Functions and Procedures," "International Long Distance Calling" and "What You Should Know About Wireless Phone Service."

The brochures explain such services as dial around, international callback, toll-free numbers and prepaid calling cards, as well as subsidies available to low-income families. They also warn consumers about telephone scams and frauds.

The FCC also has set up a website for military families at fcc.gov/ cgb/military.