Surcharges are taxes that the state and federal government charge on services.
Telecommunications Relay Service Surcharge
A surcharge set by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) to operate the statewide telecommunications system for the hearing and speech impaired. The program also provides financial aide to eligible Nebraskans for the purchase of specialized telephone equipment necessary to use relay services. Equipment program beneficiaries may apply for equipment vouchers no more than once every five years. The charge is reviewed annually by the NPSC and is charged each month per telephone number in service.
Regulatory Fee
Regulatory fees are mandated by Congress, pursuant to Section 9 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Section 9 requires the Commission to collect regulatory fees to recover the regulatory costs associated with its enforcement, policy and rulemaking, user information, and international activities.
Wireless E911 Surcharge
A charge assessed by the state and remitted to the NPSC to fund the implementation and maintenance of the Wireless E911 program which allows emergency responders to accurately locate wireless devices that have placed 911 calls.
Nebraska Universal Service Surcharge
A surcharge set by the NPSC on in-state telecommunications charges. It is disbursed to local phone companies, wireless companies, and Nebraska hospitals to defray a portion of the cost of providing services in high-cost areas, to low-income customers, and to critical access hospitals which provide medical services over the statewide Nebraska Tele-Health Network. The charge was established in 1999.
Federal Universal Service
All telecommunications service providers must contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund based on a percentage of their interstate end-user revenues. The fund supports the following four programs: Lifeline/ Linkup, High-cost, Schools and Libraries and Rural Health Care. The rate is recalculated by the FCC quarterly, is usually passed on to consumers and varies by company.
State Sales Tax
A tax assessed by and remitted to the state on local and in-state long distance telecommunications charges. It funds general state government obligations.
City Sales Tax
A tax assessed by and remitted to the city to fund general municipal obligations. City sales taxes, if they exist, vary by city.
City Occupation or Franchise Tax
A tax assessed to companies (passed on to customers) by the city for the right to do business in the community. Occupation or Franchise taxes, if they exist, vary by city.