Understanding the Telephone Tax Refund: What You Need to Know

Definition & Meaning

The telephone tax refund is a reimbursement for the excise tax paid by individuals or businesses on long-distance telephone services. This refund applies to taxes charged for landline, wireless, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Taxpayers may claim a refund for the amounts billed to them for services rendered after February 28, 2003.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a user paid $150 in excise tax on their long-distance calls over several years, they may be eligible to claim a refund for that amount on their tax return. (Hypothetical example.)

State-by-state differences

State Notes
California Generally follows federal guidelines but may have additional state taxes.
New York Offers specific forms for claiming refunds on state taxes.
Texas No additional state excise tax on telephone services.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are eligible for a telephone tax refund, gather your billing statements showing the excise tax paid. You can use US Legal Forms to find templates and guidance on how to file your claim. If your situation is complex, consider consulting a tax professional for assistance.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Anyone who paid excise tax on long-distance telephone services after February 28, 2003, may be eligible.