Posted on 05/13/2006 11:46:56 AM PDT by Let's Roll
The taxes/"fees" on my telephone service just went up ...again.
Am I the only one who finds an 80% (79.483) tax just a shade outrageous?
Any links to groups fighting this extortion would be appreciated.
Apparently we're still fighting it. At least we're still paying one of the taxes enacted to fund it. (That was NOT a remark about illegal immigration)
L
To what portion of your telephone bill does this 80% tax apply? You don't provide much information, so it's difficult to assess the situation.
There are various taxes since divestiture,but some people never paid the "war tax",which was 5%.
They withheld it when they paid the bill,the telco adjusted it and forwarded the info to the government. Whether the feds ever tried to collect it--I don't know.
We are being taxed to death.
All taxing "entities" - city, state, federal are taking cuts for various "reasons".
Services total c. $20 - taxes/fees are over $16.
IMO picking over exactly what it applies to and where it goes is what has allowed them to get away with this for so long. The bottom line is what matters to me.
There is competition and you are welcome to use it.
Many people are using cellular phones as their primary contact method now. If that is not an option, in some areas, cable companies are now providing VOIP telephone solutions. If your cable company is not, and you have high-speed internet, check out Vonage.
I have called and complained repeatedly, and all the phone companies will say is "we have no control over those taxes because the taxes are demanded by the state and federal government".
Sometimes the taxes are almost as high as the bill itself. The "state" and "federal" government agencies don't care, they want the money and will take it no matter how unfair it is. It will take a revolt to be able to stop paying for the Spanish-American war! Our gubmint at work.
Not mine. I switched to VOiP. If you have high speed, consider it. On a bill of $19.99, I pay less than $2.50 in taxes and fees. I use ATT but there are others doing the same thing. Of course, once the politicians get into it I'm sure that will change. For now, I'll enjoy the lower costs and better services.
(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")
Quite frankly,I could give a rat's hindquarters if someone down the street from me doesn't have a phone.
And my favorite, the Al Gore Tax.
(enacted by Vice-Presidental decree.)
Something like 10% of your long distance bill to wire the schools to his internet.
another 'hello' from Al Gore
http://www.usa.att.com/callvantage/index.jsp?
ATT has one, Vonage another, and Qwest is getting into it as well. Compare prices and the services you want.
I've read that the Baby Bells (Verizon,etc) are trying to shut down VOIP.It appears that they're trying to use some law that's already on the books to accomplish this.
Given their power,money and influence,I wouldn't bet the farm that their effort will fail.
Yeah, and Ms. Hillary is promising to connect every community with highspeed internet services once she's elected president.
Interesting. I had not heard that but it does not surprise me. Stopping government is a neverending deal.
There is no federal or state tax on Paxil. It'll change your life.
I added up all communication costs: phone, internet, long distance, TV, etc. By switching to VOiP and getting high speed access, I was able to drop one phone line and saved enough overall dollars to justify buying a cell phone.
Only point being, add it all up and see what's available.
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