Contributor
•
5 Messages
Taxes & Fees Calculation
Is there someplace to find how each tax and fee is calculated? I have 2 lines on a mobile share plan and recently added the $15 international calling option to one of the lines. When I compare the individual taxes and fees between the 2 lines on my new bill, I see some are flat charges that are constant (e.g., 911 fees), but for the variable rate fees, there doesn't appear to be any correlation percentage-wise to the total charges. For instance, line 1 has a Federal Universal Service Charge of $0.98, while line 2 (with the extra $15 int'l option) has a FUSC of $5.75. Similarly, state and city sales taxes do not appear to be purely percentage-based either: line 1 state sales tax is $0.70, while line 2 is $2.05. Is there some kind of sliding scale? I find it extremely frustrating not being able to determine how these are all calculated and whether they are correct. Thanks.
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
•
113.6K Messages
2 years ago
Even with AT&T tax calculator there's no way you're going to be able to find any correlation. AT&T calculator is based on the highest tax rate for your state, which does not work. The tax calculator comes out higher than what I pay.
I can tell you that the taxes and fees on long distance or international calling are extremely high. Some report 30%
https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1022940/
0
0
lynnskii
Contributor
•
5 Messages
2 years ago
Thanks. I had wondered if there something special about the international calling plan, maybe having a different tax rate. Otherwise, I would think I should be able to compare my 2 lines proportionally based on their totals if they were indeed subject to the same rates.
It's just frustrating there's not more transparency in these fees from telecoms, cable companies, etc. They could charge you whatever they want, and you'd never know. Their billing system must know, so what harm is there in making that information available to the customers? When I buy something at the store, I know what the sales tax is.
0
0
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
•
113.6K Messages
2 years ago
Just for example. I added the minimum international calling plan for my mother's line on her Verizon account. $10 add on. That reduced the cost of her calls. Taxes were 5 and change.
0
0
lynnskii
Contributor
•
5 Messages
2 years ago
Thanks for the additional data point. The AT&T add-on (for my mom also) is $15 for unlimited calls to many countries, and it added around $8 in additional taxes. So it would appear to be around a 50% tax rate in total for international plans.
0
0
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
•
113.6K Messages
2 years ago
Insane right?
I understand why people use Skype, which is free over wifi or data.
0
0
ATTHelp
Community Support
•
225.7K Messages
2 years ago
Those are great questions about taxes and fees, @lynnskii! We want to help you find the details you're seeking!
The information about variance in specific fees that @lizdance40 provided is correct and the attached article contains great information about taxes, surcharges, and fees specific to a ZIP code (including USF and Use tax).
As already detailed, international charges may differ from domestic features. We apply taxes and surcharges to our AT&T wireless service, based on rates determined by federal, state, and local laws.
We hope this info helps!
Lar, AT&T Community Specialist
0
0
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
•
113.6K Messages
2 years ago
Lol. Not really.
0