It's official -- FCC regulatory fees are due on August 31. Here are the links you will need to make payment by the deadline:
FCC announcement of the August 31 deadline
FCC public notice -- Payment methods and procedures
FCC public notice - Fee filer system
FCC public notice -- ITSP fees (with payment code)
FCC public notice -- Commercial wireless fees (with payment code)
In July, we reported that the FCC had adopted its FY 2010 regulatory fee schedule. In past years, regulatory fees were due in September, usually in the third week of the month. However, it looks like this year's fee will be due significantly earlier -- by August 31, 2010.
The first hint of an earlier due date appears in the FCC Regulatory Fee Order released on July 9. The order did not establish a due date for regulatory fees, but the Commission stated that it intended to collect fees "during an August 2010 filing window." (see paragraph 1). That made us curious, but not convinced. Last week, however, the FCC released a public notice concerning fees for its radio and TV licensees. That public notice states that the media services fee is "due no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on August 31, 2010." This seems a pretty good indication that fees for all filers will be due earlier than in years past.
Given that late-paid regulatory fees are subject to a mandatory, non-waivable 25% late payment penalty, carriers should plan accordingly.
Following on the release of the 2010-11 TRS Fund contribution factor, the Commission today released its final regulatory fee schedule for FY 2010. The Commission adopted a telecommunications provider fee that is slightly lower than it proposed in April. The regulatory fee for telecommunications providers (including audio bridging providers) is $0.00349 per revenue dollar reported on the April 1, 2010 Form 499-A.
The Commission acknowledged that telecommunications providers pay 46% of all regulatory fees, which several carriers had argued is a disproportionately large percentage of the total amount collected by the FCC. (And I agree.) Recognizing these concerns, the Commission announced that it would be releasing a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to "rebalance" its regulatory fees in the future.
Regulatory fee payments will be due by the end of September and are subject to a 25% late payment penalty if not paid on time. As with last year, the FCC will not mail bills to telecommunications carriers. Carriers are required to check the FCC regulatory fee web page for payment information before the September due date.
On April 13, the FCC released its proposed schedule of FY 2010 FCC Regulatory Fees. By law, the FCC is obligated to collect $335 million in fees in FY 2010 from the entities that it regulates. This order identifies how the FCC proposes to allocate the fees. Among the highlights:
The Commission has requested comment on these proposals. It will adopt a final regulatory fee schedule in July. Regulatory fee payments will be due by the end of September and are subject to a 25% late payment penalty if not paid on time.
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