Pre-Conference Tutorial -
Understanding Communications Taxation
May 16, 2012 -- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
7 CPE Credit Eligible
Led by Jim Nason, Tax Managing Partner, Telecommunications, Deloitte Tax LLP
With the Deloitte Tax Telecommunications Team
A mainstay of the Telestrategies Communications Taxation event, this intense introductory seminar continues to be refreshed and updated to cover not only the basics of our current tax system for communications service providers, but a deeper dive into key tax considerations associated with “cutting edge” services and applications. This is a must for people new to the communications space or those that want a refresher of Communications Tax 101+. The first part of the program continues to be focused on the core aspects of telecom taxation with the afternoon taking on the more challenging issues facing today’s communications tax professional.
I. OVERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS TAXATION
* Taxation of basic local, long distance, wireless, and video services
* General taxes including gross receipts, sales, and telecommunications-specific taxes
II. SOURCING AND APPORTIONING TRANSACTION TAXES
* Understanding the Goldberg rule when it applies and when it doesn’t
* State's position and formulas on interstate services
III. WIRELESS TAXATION INCLUDING PREPAID
* Sourcing of wireless services and the challenges
* Tax issues specific to wireless service providers as well as the applicability of various taxes and surcharges
IV. EXEMPT CUSTOMERS, SALES FOR RESALE AND TAXATION
* Understanding gross receipt taxes and telecommunications sale for resale exclusions and exempt customers
* Key differences among the states regarding resale taxation
V. INTERNET AND EMERGING SERVICES TAXATION
* Taxation of Internet access and new/emerging services
* Differences in taxation of telephone, data, TV and other related services
* Taxation of transport vs. content services vs. digital media
VI. BUNDLED SERVICES TAXATION
* What services are being bundled, how are they taxed and what are the challenges to existing tax models?
* What approaches are the states using to tax these bundles? Is there an answer to: what constitutes “books and records”?
VII. CURRENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TAXATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
*What are the big issues taking center stage in administrative decisions and the courts?
*What is on the mind of tax policymakers in state and local jurisdictions?
VIII. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES: AN OPERATIONAL TUTORIAL
*Become more conversant with how telecommunications services are delivered.
*What a telecommunications professional needs to know to “talk the talk”!
IX. REGULATION, FEES, SURCHARGES AND OTHER CHARGES (WHEN IS A TAX NOT A TAX?)
*Basic understanding of regulatory issues, concerns and changes facing the communications company
*Overview of regulatory mandates and related fees (911, USF, and more)
X. TRANSACTION TAX SYSTEM/PROCESS FUNDAMENTALS
*Hear what you need to know in implementing/upgrading an automated transaction tax solution
*Common pitfalls and opportunities