Number: RL33382
Title: The Telephone Excise Tax: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Steven Maguire, Government and Finance Division; Brent W. Mast, Knowledge Services Group 
Abstract: In the 109th Congress, S. 1321 and its companion, H.R. 1898, would have repealed the telephone excise tax entirely. On June 28, 2006, S. 1321 was approved by the Senate Finance Committee. In the 110th Congress, S. 140 and S. 170 would repeal the remaining tax on local telephone services, and S. 1123 would provide, to businesses, an extension for filing a refund request and safe harbor protection when using the formula for calculating refunds created by the bill. In the House, H.R. 1194 continues to add cosponsors, currently 116, and would repeal the remaining tax on local telephone services. This report provides a brief history, description of the legal issues prompting scrutiny, and economic analysis of the tax. The report concludes with a discussion of legislative activity and options for the 110th Congress.
Pages: 9
Date: July 31, 2007