Client Services / Tax / Tax - Telecom

Tax - Telecom

Our Firm has a large and diversified Telecommunications Tax Group that is uniquely positioned to address the federal, state and local tax and regulatory impositions facing the telecommunications industry. The strength of our Telecommunications Tax Group is grounded in our ability to address the full spectrum of issues confronting the telecommunications industry. We have undertaken major policy initiatives and controversy representations for incumbent and competitive local exchange carriers, interexchange common carriers operating wire, fiber optic and microwave systems, wireless telecommunications providers (mobile, fixed base and paging), prepaid calling card providers and marketers, virtual private network operators and bridge (conference call center) operators.  In International Tax Review’s first-ever global tax services survey, McDermott received a best-brand mention in the United States and was also mentioned in the telecoms & technology sector as among the best brands in tax.

We serve the needs of our clients regardless of the jurisdiction, issue or circumstances involved and regularly address planning and compliance issues arising in the following areas:

  • Federal Telecommunications Excise Tax (IRS)
  • Universal Service Support Mechanism Contributions (FCC)
  • Telecommunications Relay Service Fund Contributions (FCC)
  • Local Number Portability Administration Contributions (FCC)
  • Number Administration Contributions (FCC)
  • Sales and Use Taxes (State and Local)
  • Gross Receipts and Utility Taxes (State and Local)
  • Capital and Franchise Taxes (State and Local)

PLANNING
Our Telecommunications Tax Group provides planning services relating to adjusting existing business relationships and practices to minimize or eliminate the burden of federal, state and local tax and regulatory impositions on the conduct of a telecommunications business.

As a result of deregulation of the telecommunications industry, federal, state and local taxes and other impositions are a growing and often unrecoverable burden on profitability. However, these taxes and impositions can be reduced or, in some instances, eliminated by adjusting the way in which business is conducted.

We assist clients in developing and implementing strategies to contain their tax and regulatory imposition burdens. By working with the client’s staff, our lawyers review business operations, legal entity structures and reporting methods to determine where proactive changes can be made to better the client’s situation without adversely affecting the client’s underlying business.

COMPLIANCE AND CONTROVERSIES
Our Telecommunications Tax Group provides compliance services to advise our clients of the legal and regulatory requirements governing the conduct of a telecommunications business and to represent the interests of our clients against all federal, state and local taxing and regulatory authorities by defending against improper assessments and prosecuting refund claims.

Contacts

Tax Client Services

McDermott Will & Emery

McDermott Will and Emery