Communications services pay twice as much in taxes and fees as ma...
Communications services pay twice as much in taxes and fees as makers of clothing, sporting goods and other products, Heartland Institute said. Taxes and fees on cable and phone service in 59 U.S. cities cost households about $20.51 a…
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month on average, the study said. The Chicago-based group studied cable franchise and PEG access fees, the Universal Service Fund fee, state 911 taxes and the like, it said. The burden varied by state, ranging from $10.93 in Lansing, Mich., ,to $34.27 in Jacksonville, Fla., Heartland Institute said. Taxes and fees also vary by service type, the study said. A typical wireline call is taxed at 17.23%; a wireless call, billed at the same rate, is taxed at 11.78%. The group urged govt. at all levels to cut and harmonize fees and taxes. It supports statewide video franchising. The nonprofit research group is not affiliated with any “political party, business or foundation,” it said. An official there said companies and industry groups don’t contract for the Institute’s studies.