Kentucky State Surcharge

[Orvsat]

I happened to notice today that my autopay amount went up on my Dish Network bill. The bill now has a KY surcharge of $1.30 on it. I noticed the sales tax increased by a few pennies also. I contacted Dish Network. The CSR really couldn't provide much of an answer. The gist of her reply was the surcharge covered the increased cost of doing business in Kentucky. She was unable to really tell me what the increase was.

Dish's only real cost to service my account comes from receiving the automatic payment every month and sending me two emails--one telling me my credit card will be charged and a receipt once it has been charged. Although they have installers, I can't figure out how Dish has a presence in Kentucky. Their satellites are in space and the signal is going to fall on my property whether I subscribe to their service or not. Is this Dish Network's way of raising prices while claiming that their package prices have not gone up?

The $1.30 charge is added to the welcome package with local stations. Is the surcharge the same for other packages within Kentucky? Is the surcharge the same for subscribers in other states?

 

[empiretc]

they are doing this in quite a few states. They add a state surchage, and then charge taxes on the surcharge.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-forum/286413-state-texas-increasing-taxes-satellite.html

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-forum/284708-wa-fee.html

 

[KAB]

Here is KY's:
Kentucky: Department of Revenue - Telecommunications Tax

 

[Jim5506]

Dish package prices will remain frozen for the next ten years, but watch out for the surcharges.

 

[empiretc]

Dish package prices will remain frozen for the next ten years, but watch out for the surcharges.

and FEES!!!!


loyal customer fee coming soon...........

 

[Teehar]

Just patiently waiting for the NC surcharge to roll out.I'm totally surprised it hasn't already.

There really should be an in depth explanation of what these surcharges are all about.

 

[empiretc]

There really should be an in depth explanation of what these surcharges are all about.

Agreed.

 

[thechaz05]

Bottom line is, if the states didn't charge a tax dish network wouldn't charge the tax to those customers. Do I feel that dish should eat the tax, yup. Do I blame them for not eating it, no. Without starting a war about government on here, I will just say that if you want to blame someone or do something about the tax start there.

Sent from my phone using SatelliteGuys sweet app

 

[KAB]

and FEES!!!!


loyal customer fee coming soon...........

Head in Hand!!!! You love to stir it up!!

 

[wallyhts]

I happened to notice today that my autopay amount went up on my Dish Network bill. The bill now has a KY surcharge of $1.30 on it. I noticed the sales tax increased by a few pennies also. I contacted Dish Network. The CSR really couldn't provide much of an answer. The gist of her reply was the surcharge covered the increased cost of doing business in Kentucky. She was unable to really tell me what the increase was.

Dish's only real cost to service my account comes from receiving the automatic payment every month and sending me two emails--one telling me my credit card will be charged and a receipt once it has been charged. Although they have installers, I can't figure out how Dish has a presence in Kentucky. Their satellites are in space and the signal is going to fall on my property whether I subscribe to their service or not. Is this Dish Network's way of raising prices while claiming that their package prices have not gone up?

The $1.30 charge is added to the welcome package with local stations. Is the surcharge the same for other packages within Kentucky? Is the surcharge the same for subscribers in other states?

Sounds Like BS. Perhaps something that the AG should look into.

Here is KY's:
Kentucky: Department of Revenue - Telecommunications Tax

The must it could be is 5.4%

So Welcome pack with locals $14.99 X 6% Sales Tax =$15.88

$15.88 x 5.4% =.85 So with a KY surcharge at $1.30 we have gap????

 

[Dah-Henny]

I don't think that you can tax a tax. The fee must be something else? Dish could clear this up with one simple statement.

 

[KAB]

I think we have dug up enough info about the States surcharges to know they are real, but YES, Dish does need to know how to explain/answer.

 

[wallyhts]

My welcome package went from $10.29 to $11.67 (Amex charge back time)

This Surcharge is BS. I'm pissed I'm calling the AG. (Perhaps time to find a lawyer who will take this on contingency)

If dish can't play by the rules then they should be stopped from selling service in Kentucky.
​

"Effective January 1, 2006, new sections of Kentucky Revised Statute Chapter 136 were established to levy a 3 percent excise tax on multi-channel video and audio programming services, a 2.4 percent gross revenues tax on multi-channel video and audio programming services"

 

[wallyhts]

Vicky M (ID: R11): Hi, my name is Vicky M (ID: R11). How may I help you?
dave: bill now has a KY surcharge of $1.30
dave: What is that?
Vicky M (ID: R11): I will be happy to help you regarding surcharge.
Vicky M (ID: R11): I understand your concern. Unfortunately, due to the increased costs associated with providing service in your state, this surcharge was added to all customer accounts who reside in (customer's state). It allows us to continue providing all of your favorite programming by helping us account for this increased expense. I apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.
dave: Um
dave: increased costs associated with providing service in your state
Vicky M (ID: R11): Yes Dave.
dave: Sounds like BS
dave: Lets just cancel the account
Vicky M (ID: R11): I’m sorry to hear that.
Vicky M (ID: R11): For security purposes would you please verify the Security Code or the last 4 of the account holder's SSN?
dave: Sure ####
Vicky M (ID: R11): Thank you.
Vicky M (ID: R11): I can understand your frustration; however these charges are not unique to DISH. Switching to a competitor will not prevent this surcharge, as this increase cost is also impacting other cable and satellite pay TV providers as well as cell phone companies providing services to their residents.
Vicky M (ID: R11): As you are valuable customer, I will offer you Showtime movie package free for 3 months.
dave: Ok that sounds great
Vicky M (ID: R11): Shall I add it?
dave: Please
Vicky M (ID: R11): Sure Dave.
Vicky M (ID: R11): Please give me a moment to add it.
Vicky M (ID: R11): You have elected to receive Showtime for 3 months at no cost. Once this promotional period expires, you will continue to receive it at the regular monthly price. If you do not wish to continue receiving this programming after your promotional period expires, you can remove it at dish.com/myoffers or by calling us at 1-800-333-DISH.
Vicky M (ID: R11): You can view the current promotional offers on your online account from “My Offers” tab.
Vicky M (ID: R11): I have added it.
Vicky M (ID: R11): It is done.
Vicky M (ID: R11): Do you have any other questions for me?
dave: Great Thank You have a good weekend

 

[Rolling Joe]

Bottom line is, if the states didn't charge a tax dish network wouldn't charge the tax to those customers.

Maybe, maybe not. I switched to Dish from DirecTV last month. With Dish, I have the state sales tax added to all the fees associated with my account (2nd Hopper, DVR, whole home, protection plan and WA state fee.). With DirecTV, I was only charged sales tax on the protection plan.

Somebody's got it wrong. Wonder who?