If you’re thinking about switching to Verizon, there are a lot of details you’re going to need to know first, such as how much Verizon taxes and fees are. But do you know about the hidden fees?
Well, keep reading to find out what I’ve discovered about the Verizon hidden taxes and fees, because you’re going to be surprised when you see how much they are!
How Much Are Verizon Taxes and Fees In [currentyear]?
Verizon taxes and fees, some of which are hidden, can raise your phone bill by more than 50% per month, depending on your location and other factors in [currentyear]. Government taxes and surcharges are a large part of the taxes and fees, but Verizon also charges fees including administrative charges and usage fees.
Do you want to know more about the Verizon taxes and fees that they won’t tell you when you sign up? Read below to find out where you’ll find these hidden fees and much more!
What Fees Does Verizon Charge?
Verizon charges various fees, depending on whether you have a mobile phone or other Verizon products and services, and can include fees such as the following:
1. Activation Fee
If this is your first phone bill with your account, you’re charged a one-time activation fee, which will be a $35 charge on your account.
2. Upgrade Charge
A one-time upgrade charge can also be found on your phone bill if you’ve upgraded a phone on your line during the billing cycle, which will also be $35.
3. Phone Line Access Fee
You’re charged a phone line access fee, which is a $20 charge for each phone you have on your account.
Additionally, everyone is charged $20 for the phone line access fee, which has nothing to do with the plan you have, but instead, it’s just a fee for having a cell phone.
4. Device Payment Plan Fee
The device payment plan fee will have varying amounts, depending on what phone you’ve purchased, how long you’ve had the payment plan, and how much you pay each month.
Also, the device payment plan fee will get lower as time goes on, since most payment plan fees are for 2 years.
5. Data Overage Charges
If you aren’t on an Unlimited plan, and have only a set amount of data usage per month, you’re charged $15 per GB that you’re over on your plan, which can add up quickly!
6. Late Fees
Not everyone will have late fees, but if you were late making a payment, then you’re going to be charged regardless, because Verizon does not offer any grace periods whatsoever.
The amount of the late fee will vary, but at minimum, you’re looking at a $5 late fee.
7. Agent Assistant Fees
You’re charged $10 per instance if you use Verizon customer service to complete tasks that could easily be completed by yourself at home, such as making a Verizon payment.
Are There Hidden Fees with Verizon?
There are several hidden fees with Verizon, such as taxes and surcharges, that you’ll find on your phone bill as well (the Verizon Tax and Surcharge Calculator can estimate the costs).
However, even with the calculator, you’ll notice a lot of extra charges on your phone bill that are hidden, including the following:
- Federal universal service charge
- Regulatory charge
- Administrative charge
- Gross receipts surcharge (depending on your state)
- Local business license surcharge (in some municipalities)
- State 911 fee
- Communication sales tax (rate based on where you live)
- State tax
- City tax
- County tax
- A municipality tax
- International calling
- Charity donations
- Roaming fees
- 411 charges
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that not all charges will be on your phone bill, but all government taxes and fees are required by law for Verizon to bill customers.
How Much Extra Do Verizon Taxes and Fees Add to Your Bill?
There is not a specific number on how much these charges will be, since it depends on your location, but your bill might be 50% to 80% higher because of taxes and fees.
For example, if your plan is supposed to cost you $80 per month, you may find your monthly phone bill is $140 or $180 per month, with all of the fees and hidden charges.
Furthermore, all of the fees and taxes will depend on your plan, what devices you have, what services you have, and other details that vary from person to person.
How Do I Dispute a Charge on My Verizon Bill?
If you see a charge on your bill, you don’t think you should have been charged, or you were wrongly charged, the first step is to contact Verizon customer service.
Further, you can contact Verizon customer service at 1-(800) 922-0204, and see if customer service will fix the problem for you.
For example, situations that would require calling customer service include the following:
- A credit or promotion not appearing on your account
- Being billed for a service you never got
- Being billed for a service you canceled
- Payment for a device you no longer own or have on your account
- Disputes on various service charges
However, in some situations, you may feel that customer service was not helpful and want further action taken or looked into, which is when you’d file a Notice of Dispute Form.
This is the best step to take if customer service is not acknowledging your concerns, and it’s an easier step than going to small claims court against Verizon, which you also can do if you’d like.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Verizon prorate the final bill, Verizon activation fee, and Verizon rebate.
Conclusion
Verizon taxes and fees can amount to your phone bill going up by 50% or more per month, depending on the plan you have, the device(s) you have, and where you live.
Additionally, there are a lot of hidden fees Verizon puts into your monthly bill, such as overage charges, state fees, county fees, city fees, 411 surcharges, administrative charges, and more.
