Taxes, Fees and Surcharges Summary

The following are descriptions of typical taxes, fees and surcharges that may appear on your StratusIQ bill.

Federal Excise Tax at 3%
A tax assessed by the federal government for telephone services.

State Sales Tax at  2.9%
A tax assessed by the state

El Paso County Sales Tax at 1.23%
A tax assessed by county government

Colorado Springs Sales Tax at 3.07%
A tax assessed by city government

Special Districts Sales Tax at 1.0%
Taxes assessed outside the scope of the state, counties, or cities. They can be used for transit, fire protection, or other special purpose tax districts.

El Paso County Video Franchise Fee at 5% of all Video Service
Fee assessed by the county franchise authority for use of the public right of way for delivery of Video services.

City of Colorado Springs Video Franchise Fee at 5% of all Video Service
Fee assessed by the city franchise authority for use of the public right of way for delivery of Video services.

Local Broadcast Fee per video subscriber
Fee assessed for offsetting of the cost paid to local broadcasting companies for distribution of their broadcast over a cable network.

Regional Sports Fee per video subscriber with certain packages
Fee assessed for offsetting of the cost paid to regional sports companies for distribution of their content containing local sports teams over a cable network.

Federal Universal Service Fund
This charge recovers the amount contributed to the Federal Universal Service Fund. The rate is adjusted quarterly to match the costs of the Federal program and is applied to interstate and international long distance calls. This fund helps keep local phone rates affordable for all Americans.

Federal Access Charge assessed per line
The Federal Access Charge is authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for providing access to and maintaining the local phone network. 

Colorado Universal Service Charge
This charge recovers the amount contributed to the Colorado Universal Service Fund. The rate is adjusted annually by the PUC and applies to Intrastate telephone service. This fund helps keep basic exchange rates affordable.

El Paso Emergency 911 Fee assessed per access line
This surcharge, funds the cost of providing emergency services communications systems in your community.
Note: Special districts & local taxes vary based on sub-division, county, municipality, etc.

Service Protection Surcharge per subscriber
This surcharge is designed to provide the customer with peace of mind and uninterrupted connectivity and covers: In-Home StratusIQ Equipment Protection, Service Drop Damage Coverage, and Priority Service and Response. Terms and conditions apply.

Revised 5-16-2023