Taxes and fees differ by location and the services on your account. Some taxes and fees are required to be billed and Verizon acts as the collection agent while other taxes and fees are imposed on Verizon and allowed to be surcharged. This Glossary is applicable for High Speed Internet (HSI), FiOS Internet, TV Entertainment, and residential Phone (copper and FiOS) customers.
To find the definition of a term, select the first letter of the term you are looking for.
0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
911 Emergency Service Fee
This is a fee that Verizon is required or authorized by government agencies to collect from customers. The government agencies use the funds collected to cover the costs of providing 911 emergency response. The fee is generally either an amount per telephone access line or a percentage of revenue.
911 Equalization Surcharge
A tax billed to intrastate long distance charges to finance emergency call service in areas where the 911 service fee does not cover the cost.
Access Recovery Charge (ARC)
This monthly Verizon surcharge is applied on a per line basis and is related to the Federal Intercarrier Compensation Rules, which set the rates charged between carriers for telecommunications traffic. *The ARC is not charged to Lifeline customers*
Account Balance
The amount you currently owe Verizon for your monthly telephone service.
Account Holder
The person whose name is on the Verizon account.
Account Information
Here it’s all about you - your Account Number, your Due Date and your Amount Due show on the Header. Other information found here includes: Your Statement Date, your Phone Number, and your Online Account Number (if applicable).
Account Number
The number on the upper right portion of your bill that identifies you and your billing telephone number.
Adding and Changing Service
All order activity since your last billing period.
Additional Services
Sections of the bill that display charges for items that are not included in the bundle. These sections are broken down by Voice, TV, Internet, and Wireless and will match the items listed under New Charges on page 1 of the bill.
Adjustments and Credits
Section of the bill that shows one time adjustments to previous months' charges. Adjustments can be charges or credits.
Amount Past Due, Overdue Balance
Unpaid balance carried over from previous billing periods.
Account Summary
Overview of all charges on the account for the current billing period.
All Other Charges
Includes charges for 976 service calls, premium-priced calls, deferred payment plan charges and charges from other carriers including Verizon Wireless and Verizon Long Distance.
Amount of Last Bill
Total charges on the last bill.
Balance
Any unpaid amount from the last bill. Does not include payments processed after billing date.
Balance Forward
Any unpaid amount carried over from your previous bill.
Basic Local Services
Your base monthly rate for local telephone service, based on a 30-day cycle.
Basic/Regulated Taxes and Surcharges
Your telephone bill reflects required federal, state and local taxes and surcharges for items such as 911 fees and the interstate subscriber use fee.
Bill Date
The first day of the billing period.
Billing Adjustments
Detailed information on credit adjustments, returned checks and other credits or debits applied to your previous balance.
Billing Cycle/Bill Period
The dates on your bill represent the period of time during which you were charged for products, services, and toll usage.
You should receive your paper bill approximately eight or nine days after the date appearing on your bill (either the bill date or the end of the bill period).
Billing Date
The date that your bill was created.
Breakdown of Charges
A view of all new charges shown individually on your bill that is broken down by bundle, types of services, specials and promotions, and taxes, fees, and other Verizon charges.
Bundle Component Grid
Displays the specific components included in your bundle and the price for each component. This grid is located in the left column on page 3 of the converged bill and will only be displayed if there is a bundle on the account.
Call Detail
A more detailed breakout of calling and usage charges associated with calling plans that may be on your account.
Carrier Cost Recovery Charge
This fee is a monthly surcharge telecommunications carriers, such as Verizon Long Distance and Verizon Enterprise Solutions, are permitted to assess in order to defray the following:
This surcharge is not a customer tax or fee assessed by a government agency.
Carryover Charges
Charges that are carried forward from your previous billing period. Carryover charges may appear because:
Change In Service and Partial Month
Section of the bill that includes partial month charges and credits including those for promotions and bundles as well as activation, installation and most other non-recurring charges.
Changes
Includes any changes made to products or services that you request after your initial order. For example, an upgrade from a Standard Set Top Box to a High Definition Box would result in a change to your initial order.
CR (Credit)
CR is an abbreviation on your telephone bill indicating payments you have already made, or a credit adjustment made to your account.
Cramming
Cramming is the inclusion (or appearance) of unauthorized charges on your phone bill. It may be a monthly charge for services such as voice mail that a customer did not order and does not have. While many customers find it convenient to put such charges on your phone bills, be sure to carefully inspect your monthly telephone bill to ensure that it correctly reflects the services you have ordered. If anything looks suspicious, investigate and call the telephone company for resolution.
CTCAP (Telephone Connection Assistance Program)
CTCAP is a program that provides discounts for telephone service in Connecticut for eligible customers who qualify for financial assistance.
Additional programs such as Lifeline Service and Link-Up America are also available.
Qualifications vary by state. Contact your local business office for more details.
Current Activity
Section of the bill that contains your full month charges for recurring purchases and usage-based, on-demand purchases. Most recurring purchases are billed the month in advance. Usage bases services are billed after you use the service. If you make a change to your service, this section will have a subsection labeled Change in Service and Partial Month which will contain partial month charges and credits for added or removed services along with one time activation or termination fees, if applicable.
Current Charges
Charges billed/credited during the current billing period.
Customer Code
This six-digit code appears after your telephone number on the top of every page of your bill.
When you use our automated system for account balance information, you will need your customer code.
Customer ID Number
The six-digit Customer ID Number is located to the right of your telephone number in the upper right hand corner of the bill. It is also known as your Customer Code.
Date Due
Date that is shown at the top of the page next to your account number that indicates when payment must be received by Verizon.
Deposit Information
A section on your Verizon bill that only displays if you have a deposit on the account.
Direct Debit Payment Option
If you enroll in this payment option, Verizon will automatically debit your bank account every month for the total amount due of your telephone services.
Directory Advertising Charges
Charges for advertising in the Verizon Directory.
Directory Assistance
When you call directory assistance, an operator provides national and local phone numbers for a small fee.
To call directory assistance, press 411 and provide the operator with the city, state, and name of the listing you're looking for. (Operators cannot provide non-published numbers.) You may request two listings per call.
Directory Assistance Service
Shows charges for requests for listed telephone number, area code, and/or address and ZIP code.
Discounted Services
Discounts on monthly charges and connections fees may be available for qualifying individuals or families.
Verizon offers telephone service (including installation) at a discount for eligible customers through programs such as Lifeline Service and Link-Up America.
DIRECTV Account
Account number associated with your DIRECTV service. You will need this number when you call about your DIRECTV account.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
A technology that permits large amounts of data (high volume, large bandwidth) to travel to your computer.
With DSL, your download time is reduced versus traditional analog connections. This helps you when you're surfing the Internet, by decreasing the time it takes Web pages and multimedia content to display on your screen.
Dual Party Relay Service/Telecommunications Relay Service
Authorized by the state government, the state uses the funds collected by Verizon to provide telecommunications services for those with special needs. The fee is calculated on either a percent of revenue or on a per telephone line basis.
Due Date
The date your payment should be received by a Verizon payment office. In some states, if your payment is not received by the due date, you could be subject to late fees.
Your payment due date is for your current charges only. If you have an outstanding balance with Verizon, that amount is due immediately.
Emergency Service Fee for 911
Government agencies require or authorize Verizon to collect funds to cover the costs of providing 911 emergency responses. The fee is based on either a percentage of revenue or charged per telephone line.
Estimated First Bill Charges
Your first bill may be higher than normal. In most cases, it will include a full month of charges billed in advance plus any partial month charges for the days from when your services are activated up to your normal monthly statement date. It will also include one time charges and any balance forward or account adjustments (if applicable).
Estimated Monthly Charges
Based on your initial order we have estimated your monthly bill. This is not an actual bill which may vary from this estimate. This estimate excludes usage and changes made after your initial order.
Exchange
Your exchange numbers (also known as your prefix) are the three digits immediately following the area code - as in (###) 722-####.
Your home exchange includes all of the phone numbers in your immediate community that share the same local calling area.
Some exchanges may also be pay-per-call exchanges. Calling these numbers will result in a charge on your phone bill as set by the information provider.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
This government regulatory agency ensures that all forms of communications technology in use in the United States follow a standard set of guidelines.
If you question charges on your bill imposed by the FCC, correspondence may be directed to:
Informal Complaints and Public Inquiries Branch
Enforcement Division, Common Carriers Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
You may call the FCC directly at (888) 225-5322.
Federal Excise Tax
Government agencies require Verizon to collect a 3% tax on local- only services, which are services not bundled with other services such as long distance service
Federal Subscriber Line Charge
This monthly Verizon surcharge is authorized by the Federal Communications Commission which mandates that local telephone companies pay an access charge on each local telephone line to partially reimburse long distance companies for the cost of routing long distance calls to and from local customers. The charge is applied on a per line basis for residential and business customers.
Federal Tax
The U.S. government applies a 3% federal excise tax to some charges of the telephone bill. This amount is sent to the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Federal Universal Service Fund (FUSF) Charge
This monthly Verizon surcharge allows Verizon and Verizon Long Distance to recover from its customers the funds it pays to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on interstate services to support the FCC’s universal service programs. The FCC regulates this charge; reviewing and adjusting the fee quarterly based on the FCC’s quarterly FUSF contribution factor. The FCC uses the fund to help keep local telephone rates affordable for all customers, support telecommunications services in schools, public libraries, and rural health-care facilities and subsidize local service to high-cost areas and low-income customers. *This charge does not apply to Lifeline customers*
FiOS Digital Voice (FDV) Administrative Charge
This monthly line charge helps defray account servicing costs associated with providing voice services. This surcharge is applied by Verizon and is not a tax or fee assessed by a government agency.
Franchise Related Cost
A local franchise authority may impose a financial obligation on Verizon to support public, educational and government programming channels in your local FiOS TV franchise area. Depending upon the specific provisions included in the local franchise agreement between your community and Verizon, the fee is either based on the percentage of FiOS TV revenue generated in your local franchise area, a per subscriber amount, or a lump sum payment. On your bill under Verizon Surcharges, you may see any one or all of the following fees: PEG Grant Fee, PEG Support Fee or Franchise Related Costs.
Flat Rate Service
A type of telephone service that offers an unlimited number of local calls within a specified calling area for a fixed monthly rate.
Fraud
Fraud is the illegal use of your phone number or Verizon account by someone without your permission.
Fulfillment Message
Message in the Verizon News section of the bill that acknowledges the purchase of a new bundle or product.
How to Reach Us
Section on page 2 of the bill that gives detailed contact information to contact Verizon with billing questions, orders, repair, etc.
Installation Charges
An installation charge is required to start your new telephone service. Installation charges generally appear on your first telephone bill.
Interstate/Intrastate Access Charges
These are FCC allowable charges that reimburse your local telephone company for providing access to the long distance network. This regulated charge must be passed on to all customers' telephone lines, whether they make long distance calls or not.
ISP (Internet service provider)
An Internet service provider (ISP) provides individuals and companies access to the Internet.
Internet Additional Service
The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges for products associated with your internet service that are not included in your bundle. This can be found under New Charges.
Section on your bill that shows all of the products and their charges that are associated with your internet service that are not included in your bundle.
Internet Services
The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges for products associated with your internet service when you do not have a bundle. This can be found under New Charges.
Section on your bill that shows all of the products and their charges that are associated with your internet service.
Late Payment Charge
In some areas, you may be charged a late payment fee if Verizon does not receive your payment by the due date on your bill.
Late Payment Penalty
Late payment charges may apply in some states. Where invoked, it applies to the amount past due. If your account has an outstanding balance, you may see a message on your bill specifying the exact late payment charge, which may be an amount or a specific percentage added to your account.
Lifeline Service
Lifeline service makes local telephone service available to people who might not be able to afford phone service. If you qualify for Lifeline assistance, you will receive a reduced rate on your Verizon monthly bill.
Toll blocking service is available to Lifeline customers at no charge.
Eligibility requirements vary by state. Please visit the Lifeline Support Web site at www.lifelinesupport.org to find out if you qualify for Lifeline in your state.
Link-Up America
Customers who receive financial assistance can qualify for Link-Up America, a program designed to promote universal service by providing a discount on installation/connection charges for new phone service.
Qualifications for Link-Up America vary by state. Please visit the Lifeline Support Web site at www.lifelinesupport.org to find out if you qualify for Lifeline and/or Link-up in your state.
Listed Service
Names, telephone numbers and addresses that are published in the Verizon telephone directory and are listed in Verizon directory assistance.
Local Calling Area
The geographic area within your LATA (Local Access Transport Area), which you can call without a toll.
For a complete guide to your local calling area, check the Consumer Guide section of your white pages.
Local Calls
Calls within your local calling area that generally do not generate a toll are local calls. Your local calling area is defined by your local calling service plan.
For a guide to your local calling area, check the consumer guide in your white pages.
The Local Call Summary on your Verizon bill may also include fees for regional toll calls (also known as IntraLATA) calls. These calls are not within your local calling area, but are within your LATA (Local Access Transport Area). LATAs are geographical boundaries determined by the federal government and determine local calling areas and extended calling service.
In comparison, InterLATA calls are made outside of your LATA and are generally thought of as long distance calls.
Any call which generates a toll, whether a local toll call or a long distance call can be handled by a provider of your choice. Many companies now provide both IntraLATA (local and local toll service) as well as InterLATA (long distance service) plans.
Local Number Portability
This charge funds the technology that allows customers to keep their phone numbers when they change local telephone companies within their same calling area. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorizes this charge.
Local Toll Calls
Calls outside of your local calling area are regional toll calls, or local toll calls. Local toll calls are also known as IntraLATA calls; calls that aren't within your local calling area, but are within your LATA (Local Access Toll Area).
Calls made outside of your LATA are long distance calls, also known as InterLATA calls.
For a guide to your local calling area, check the consumer guide in your white pages.
Local Toll Charges
The cost for calls made to areas outside your local calling area, but not considered long distance.
Local Usage Rates
The time and day of the week discounts apply to all calls which are originated within discount periods. The rate periods for weekday and weekends are the following:
Weekday Rate -- applies directly dialed local messages placed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Night and Weekend Rate -- applies to direct dialed local messages placed Monday through Friday, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Long Distance
Calls made outside your LATA (Local Access Transport Area) regional boundaries are long distance calls. Long distance calls are made from one LATA to another and are also referred to as InterLATA. Long distance calls include out-of-state calls, and sometimes in-state calls, depending on how the LATAs are drawn in your area.
Many companies now provide both IntraLATA (local and local toll service) and InterLATA (long distance service) plans.
Note: Long distance calls require a 1+ area code + number. International long distance calls require 011 + country and city code + number.
Long Distance Access Charge
Formerly named the Federal Access Charge, this monthly surcharge is assessed to long distance customers to help defray the access costs charged to Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Verizon Long Distance (or its agents) by local telephone companies.
Long Distance Administrative Charge
This monthly line charge helps defray account servicing costs associated with providing state to state and international services. This surcharge is applied by Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Verizon Long Distance and is not a tax or fee assessed by a government agency.
Long Distance Carrier
The telephone service provider who connects you to long distance numbers.
You can determine your long distance provider by dialing (700) 555-4141 from any phone in your home that is serviced by Verizon.
Miscellaneous surcharges and fees
Local government agencies require Verizon to collect funds for different purposes, such as burying cable (MA Buried Cable Surcharge) or funding transportation (NY Metropolitan Transit Authority Surcharge). The amount varies by state and surcharge.
Monthly Charges
Total of all current charges and or credits for Verizon and any other service providers listed.
Monthly Rates
Monthly charges for basic services.
Monthly Service - Non-Regulated and Non-Basic
Non-regulated services are services provided by Verizon that are not subject to federal or state regulations.
Non-basic services are services provided by Verizon that may or may not be subject to federal or state regulations, depending on the specific state requirements.
Monthly Service - Non-Regulated
Monthly products and services that are not regulated or tariffed by the state's public utility commission. Items included in this section vary by state.
Monthly Service - Regulated
Itemized monthly products and services that are regulated and tariffed by the state's public utility commission.
Municipal Franchise Fee/Right of Way Fee
This monthly Verizon surcharge recovers Verizon’s costs where a jurisdiction charges Verizon for the use of the municipal public right of way to provide telecommunications services. This fee is generally charged per telephone line and may be referred to on your bill as a Municipal Franchise Fee, Right of Way Fee or State Infrastructure and Maintenance Fee.
New Charges
Summary of charges that is listed by bundle and single price points for each type of additional services, Voice, TV, Internet, and Wireless. Also displayed is a single price for Taxes and charges from other providers.
New Promotions
Message that appears in the Verizon News section that details any new promotions that are beginning that month on your account.
NY Municipal Construction Surcharge
The NY Municipal Construction Surcharge recovers a portion of the expenses Verizon incurs for relocation of its facilities that are in the public rights-of-way to prevent interference with street repairs, public construction projects or other activities required for public health, safety or convenience. The charge is applicable to a customer's High Speed Internet, Fios Internet or Fios Digital Voice subscription and is reflected in the Verizon Surcharges and Other Charges & Credits section of the bill.
Non-Basic
Non-basic services include optional services, such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, and maintenance agreements for Inside Wire.
Non-Basic Regional Calls
Pay per call.
Non-Basic Taxes and Surcharges
On your bill, this term refers to federal, state, and local taxes and surcharges that are not related to the basic service portion of your bill.
Non-Listed Number
Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory, but are available from directory assistance.
A service fee may apply to have your number non-listed. Charges vary from state to state.
Non-Primary Line
A line added to your service address after the installation of your primary line.
You can have more than one non-primary phone line. In addition, a non-primary phone line may be billed separately from your primary or other non-primary phone lines. In addition, your primary or other non-primary lines can be billed under different names.
Note: Primary and non-primary lines must have the same billing address.
Non-Published Number
Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory white pages, and your telephone number is not available from directory assistance.
If you have a non-published number, "NON PUBLISHED" will appear on your remittance stub in place of your telephone number to ensure your privacy.
A service fee may apply to have your number non-published. Charges vary from state to state.
Non-Regulated Charges
Charges that appear on your bill for services that are not subject to state public utility commission regulations.
Non-Regulated/Non-Basic Services
Non-regulated services are services provided by Verizon which are not subject to federal or state regulations.
Non-basic services are services provided by Verizon which may or may not be subject to federal or state regulations, depending on the specific state requirements.
One Time Charges or Credits
Includes one-time charges such as installation or activation of new service and any one time subscriptions. Example: One time installation would cover the activation of any additional outlets or installation of new outlets.
OCC (Other Charges and Credits)
On your bill, OCC is a catch-all term for charges and credits not included in the main fee categories printed on the first page of your bill.
A detailed listing of your Other Charges and Credits (if any) for the month is printed on subsequent pages of your bill.
Other Providers
The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges associated with services provided by providers other than Verizon. This can be found under New Charges.
Section on your bill that shows all of the products , details, and charges for services provided by providers other than Verizon.
Other Service Charges
Display charges for services that are billed on a per-use basis, such as directory assistance and voice mail.
Packaged Service
Service that includes multiple products and features for one set price.
Partial Month Charges or Credits
Verizon bills services one month in advance. If your services are activated in the middle of the monthly bill cycle, Verizon will bill for the partial month as well as the following full month. EXAMPLE: If your statement date (bill cycle) is on the 15th day of each month and your service is activated on the 1st, your partial month charges would be for 15 days of service from the 1st up to the 15th. If a change is made in the Activation Date of your order, Verizon will adjust your Partial Month Charges and Credits based on the new date and number of days in the Partial Month. Some voice services in MA and RI do not bill in advance.
Past Due Balances
Unpaid balance from the previous bill. Does not include payments and credits processed after billing date.
Past Due Notice
A statement on the first page of your bill, indicating that you have an outstanding balance with Verizon.
Any outstanding balance should be paid immediately to avoid possible late fees.
Payment Address
The address where you send your monthly payment. Always use the payment address on your Verizon bill when you mail your payment. The address is based on the Verizon accounting office nearest to where you live.
Payment Due Date
Date that payments must be received by to avoid a late fee.
Payment Received
Amount paid on the last bill. Does not include payments processed after billing date.
Payments
Amount sent for the balance due. On occasion you may have sent us a payment that was not processed in time to reflect on your current billing statement. Please deduct any amount already paid before sending your current payment.
Pay-Per-Use Calling Service
A section on your Verizon bill that itemizes charges for calling features such as *69.
Some features are available as 'pay-per-use' features, which means that you may pay as you use them rather than paying a monthly flat fee.
Pay-Per-Use Services
Some features are available as 'pay-per-use' features, which means paying for each time they are used rather than paying a monthly flat fee.
PEG Grant Fee
A local franchise authority may impose a financial obligation on Verizon to support public, educational and government programming channels in your local FiOS TV franchise area. Depending upon the specific provisions included in the local franchise agreement between your community and Verizon, the fee is either based on the percentage of FiOS TV revenue generated in your local franchise area, a per subscriber amount, or a lump sum payment. On your bill under Verizon surcharges, you may see any one or all of the following fees: PEG Grant Fee, PEG Support Fee or Franchise Related Costs.
PEG Support Fee
A local franchise authority may impose a financial obligation on Verizon to support public, educational and government programming channels in your local FiOS TV franchise area. Depending upon the specific provisions included in the local franchise agreement between your community and Verizon, the fee is either based on the percentage of FiOS TV revenue generated in your local franchise area, a per subscriber amount, or a lump sum payment. On your bill under Verizon surcharges, you may see any one or all of the following fees: PEG Grant Fee, PEG Support Fee or Franchise Related Costs.
Poison Control Surcharge
In some states, regulations require that we collect funds for the Poison Control Network in your area that provides information on poison remedies 24 hours a day.
Previous Balance
Amount that reflects any charges that you did not pay on your last bill that has been carried forward to your new bill.
Previous Charges
Previous charges can result from several reasons:
Promotions Ending
Message that appears in the Verizon News sections that details any promotions you have that may be ending that month.
PUC (Public Utility Commission)
A government agency that sets and enforces regulations for all state utilities including all phone service providers.
The PUC approves/disapproves rates, initiates legislation and provides general rules for utility companies doing business in your state.
Quick Bill Summary
A summary of previous balances and payments, and all new charges on your current bill.
Rate Adjustment
On your bill, a rate adjustment reflects a prorated portion of a monthly charge for a service or feature.
Regional Long Distance/Local Toll Calls
Calls outside of your local calling area are regional toll calls, also known as local toll calls. These calls are IntraLATA calls; calls that are not within your local calling area, but are within your LATA (Local Access Transport Area). LATAs are defined by geographical boundaries drawn by the federal government.
Local toll calls can be handled by your local service provider or by a provider of your choice. Many companies now offer both IntraLATA (local and local toll service) and InterLATA (long distance service) plans.
For a guide to your local calling area, check the consumer guide in your white pages.
Regional Sports Network Fee
This monthly fee helps to cover the rising cost of delivering regional collegiate and professional sports programming to subscribers. The fee is assessed only on customers who have subscribed to programming packages that include Regional Sports Networks.
Regulatory Recovery Fee - Federal
This fee is a monthly Verizon surcharge that helps to recover the annual per video subscriber fee that Verizon pays to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fund the FCC’s administrative costs.
Regulated Charges
Regulated charges that appear on your bill are subject to federal or state (such as PUC) regulations.
Regulated/Basic Services
Regulated and basic charges are services provided by Verizon that are subject to federal or state regulations.
Basic charges are services that may or may not be subject to federal or state regulations.
Relay Service Funding
This charge funds an attendant relay system that allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and/or speech impaired to communicate over the telephone.
Residential Telephone Service
The monthly service (and related charges) you receive from Verizon covering the use of residential phones in your home.
Restatement of Charges
An informational grid that is required to be displayed on the bill in some states that shows a breakdown of charges by category. You can use this as a guide to tell what charges your payment is applied to if you don't pay in full.
Right of Way Fee/Municipal Franchise Fee
This monthly Verizon surcharge recovers Verizon’s costs where a jurisdiction charges Verizon for the use of the municipal public right of way to provide telecommunications services. This fee is generally charged per telephone line and may be referred to on your bill as a Municipal Franchise Fee, Right of Way Fee or State Infrastructure and Maintenance Fee.
Service Providers
Message that shows the provider for each service that you have and the cost associated with each service in the bundle price.
Slamming
Slamming is the unauthorized switching of a customer's long distance company. Your telephone service provider is required to have authorization and third-party verification before requesting that Verizon change customers' service providers. Some companies do not adhere strictly to this requirement. Many companies use telemarketers to sell their services and consumers need to make their company preference clear to sales representatives.
You can take the following measures to minimize the potential problem of slamming:
Remember, Verizon won't change your long distance company from the one you have specified unless we receive authorization and verification that you have chosen to change long distance providers.
Specials and Promotions
The Specials and Promotions section of the bill includes full month credits on your bill for special pricing, bundle promotions that last less than 12 months, and any other promotional discounts.
State and Local Sales Tax/State and Local Communications Services Tax
Sales taxes are imposed on the sale or purchase of specified products and services and are required or permitted to be collected from customers. These taxes include State, County and City Sales Taxes as well as taxes collected by Special Purpose District Agencies and Mass Transit Agencies (MTA).
State Infrastructure Maintenance Fee
This monthly Verizon surcharge recovers Verizon’s costs of using the public right of way in the State of Illinois. The fee is charged per telephone line.
State and Local Sales Tax/Local Communications Services Tax
Government agencies impose and Verizon collects taxes from purchasers of specified products and services. These taxes include state, county and city sales taxes as well as taxes collected by Special Purpose District Agencies and Mass Transit Agencies (MTA). The products subject to tax and the amount of the tax varies by area.
State Sales Tax
Government agencies impose and Verizon collects taxes on behalf of state governments from purchasers of products and services. The products subject to tax and the amount of the tax varies by area.
State Translation Privilege Tax
This monthly Verizon surcharge, recovers from customers the cost of the state tax on gross revenue paid by Verizon in Arizona.
State Universal Service Fund
This fee is a monthly surcharge billed to customers to recover the State Universal Service fee paid by Verizon to States on applicable services. Each state program is different, and depending on the state, the funds are used to:
In some states Verizon is the billing agent for the state and in others Verizon is allowed to recover their payments to the state program.
State Utility Gross Receipts Tax Surcharge/Telecommunications Services Excise Tax
Applied per line, this monthly Verizon surcharge recovers from customers the state or local tax on gross revenue paid by Verizon, and may be referred to on your bill as a Gross Receipts Tax Surcharge, a Telecommunications Services Excise Tax Surcharge, or a State Transaction Privilege Tax Surcharge.
Statement Date
our statement date is the date your bill was created.
Statement Ending
Your bill lists charges incurred during your billing period. The statement ending date is the close of the billing period and the last date charges were available to place on your bill.
Surcharges
Local governments assess municipal surcharges and fees for special bonds or levies. The amount collected is sent to them.
Surcharges and Taxes
Required federal, state and local taxes and fees. Amount collected is sent to them.
Taxes and Surcharges - Local Toll Calls
Federal, state and local taxes and surcharges on your local toll charges.
Depending on where you live, federal, state and local governments may assess taxes on your local, local toll and long distance charges on your phone bill.
The same tax or fee, such as the federal excise tax, may appear in multiple places on your bill.
Taxes and Surcharges - Non-Regulated/Non-Basic
Federal, state and local taxes and surcharges on your non-regulated/non-basic services.
Depending on where you live, federal, state and local governments may assess taxes on your local, local toll and long distance charges on your phone bill.
The same tax or fee, such as the federal excise tax, may appear in multiple places on your bill.
Taxes and Surcharges - Basic/Regulated
Your telephone bill reflects required federal, state, and local taxes and surcharges for items such as 911 fees and the interstate subscriber use fee.
Taxes, Fees, and Other Charges
Taxes and fees differ by location and the services on your account. Some taxes and fees are required to be billed and Verizon acts as the collection agent while other taxes and fees are imposed on Verizon and allowed to be surcharged. Click here for a detailed explanation of the taxes and fees you may see on your bill.
Taxes, Fees, and Other Verizon Charges
Bill section that include all applicable taxes, surcharges, fees and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) charges for your area, as well as any late payment fees , returned payment fees, and employee concessions.
Taxes, Governmental Surcharges and Fees
Subsection of the Taxes, Fees, and Other Charges section of the bill that contains Federal, state, and local taxes and surcharges such as Federal Excise Taxes, 911 Charges, and State and County taxes if applicable.
Toll Charges
Charges for local calling outside service areas and long distance calls.
Telecommunications Relay Service/Dual Party Relay Service
The state government authorities use the funds collected by Verizon to provide telecommunications services for those with special needs. The fee is calculated on either a percent of revenue or on a per line basis.
Telecommunications Services Excise Tax/State Utility Gross Receipts Tax Surcharge
Applied per line, this monthly Verizon surcharge recovers from customers the state or local tax on gross revenue paid by Verizon, and may be referred to on your bill as a Gross Receipts Tax Surcharge, a Telecommunications Services Excise Tax Surcharge, or a State Transaction Privilege Tax Surcharge.
Total Amount Due
On your Verizon bill, this is the amount you currently owe.
Total Basic Charges
Total of basic charges shown in this section of the bill. These charges include line charges and local calling plus taxes and surcharges.
Total Due
The total due is a combination of your current charges and any outstanding balance.
It is the amount you currently owe to Verizon, minus any payment you might have made after the closing date of your bill.
Total New Charges
Total of charges in the New Charges section of the bill. These are charges for the current billing period.
Total Specials and Promotions
Total of promotions, credits and discounts shown in this section of the bill.
Total Toll Charges
Shows total charges for telephone calls beyond local but not quite long distance. This amount includes tax and surcharge applied to toll calls.
Total Verizon Charges
The combined total of your regulated/basic, local toll and non-regulated/non-basic charges.
This amount represents all the services provided to you by Verizon as your local telephone company.
Touch Tone
Touch-tone dialing service.
TTY-TDD
Device that allows individuals with speech or hearing disabilities to send and receive typed messages over a standard telephone line.
TV Additional Services
The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges for products associated with your internet service that are not included in the bundle. This can be found under New Charges.
Section on your bill that shows all of the products and their charges that are associated with your TV service that are not included in your bundle.
TV Services
The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges for products associated with your TV service when you do not have a bundle. This can be found under New Charges.
Section on your bill that shows all of the products and their charges that are associated with your TV service.
Unpaid Bill Charges and Account Adjustments
Any account adjustments or unpaid charges from a previous bill will be carried over to the following month's bill and will display as a credit or charge previous balance.
Unpublished Telephone Number
Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory, and your telephone number is not available from directory assistance.
Unlisted Telephone Number
Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory, but are available from directory assistance.
Usage
Includes any usage related charges such as those for Pay Per View or Directory Assistance.
Verizon News
Message section in the left column on page 1 of the converged bill. This section contains fulfillment and marketing messages as well as messages that tell when a promotion is starting or ending.
Verizon Online Account
Account number on your bill that is associated with your Verizon Online internet service.
Verizon Payment Address
The address where you send your monthly payment. Always use the payment address on your Verizon bill when you mail your payment.
Verizon Reads Donation
If you have checked the box on the first page of your phone bill or called your local business office and signed up to be a Literacy Champion, a tax deductible $1 donation will be included monthly in the Verizon section of your bill. Contributions will benefit Verizon Reads, a non-profit effort supporting literacy programs.
Even if you check the box or call us to sign up, you are not required to pay the literacy donation. Phone service will not be terminated for non-payment of this contribution. To discontinue your literacy donation, call the phone number listed on the front of your bill.
Verizon Surcharges and Other Charges and Credits
Subsection of the Taxes, Fees, and Other Charges section that contains fees and surcharges that Verizon collects on behalf of Federal, state, and local governments such as the Federal USF, Federal Subscriber Line Charge and PEG, Public Education Grant Fee as well as late fees and returned payment fees.
Video Franchise Fee
This monthly fee allows Verizon to recover from its customers the cost of the video franchise fee Verizon is required to pay to local franchise authorities, which may be up to 5.26% of the gross revenues from FiOS TV services, in order to provide TV Services.
Video Public Educational and Government Grant Fees "PEG Fee"
Each Local Franchise Authority has the right to impose support obligations on Verizon to cover the funding costs of providing Public, Educational and Government programming channels to the cable television subscribers within the franchise area. Some communities may also have an Institutional Network Fee or I-NET fee to cover the costs of providing dedicated network services to large institutions; schools, hospitals, emergency workers, etc. These charges are added to customers’ bills to collect the payments that Verizon makes to the Local Franchise Authority. These fees can be either in the form of a per cable television subscriber fee or in the form of a percent of gross revenues for the sale of cable television services.
Video Regulatory Fee
This fee recovers the amount Verizon pays to fund the administrative costs of one or more regulatory body; whether that is the Federal Communications Commission that is funded on a per subscriber fee basis or a state regulator that may be funded on a per subscriber or percentage of cable television revenue basis.
Voice Additional Services
The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges for products associated with your voice service that are not included in the bundle. This can be found under New Charges.
Section found on page 3 of your bill that shows all of the products and their charges that are associated with your voice service that are not included in your bundle.
Voice Services
The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges for products associated with your voice service when you do not have a bundle. This can be found under New Charges.
Section on your bill that shows all of the products and their charges that are associated with your voice service.
Taxes, fees, surcharges, and other charges vary based on the products you purchase and your service location. These fees are separated into two sections on your bill: