Jun. 25, 2018
HARRISBURG – The Senate on Friday unanimously approved legislation by Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover) to ensure mobile telecommunication consumers aren’t subject to double taxation.
House Bill 994 would exclude the sales of telephones, telephone handsets, modems, tablets and related accessories, including cases, chargers, holsters, clips, hands-free devices, screen protectors and batteries from being subject to the gross receipts tax.
“Simply put, this bill prevents consumer from double taxation on mobile telecommunication devices and accessories already subject to the Sales and Use Tax,” Grove said. “My legislation brings the definition of mobile telecommunications up-to-date with technological advances.
The Commonwealth last updated the definition of mobile telecommunication in 2002. In the 15 years since, communications technology has advanced yet the state’s definition has remained unchanged.
Grove’s bill modifies the definition of mobile telecommunications to mirror the definition used under the Sales and Use Tax, creating uniformity in our tax code and clarifying the code. This bill provides a clear definition of what is subject to the gross receipts tax and is subject to the Sales and Use Tax.
“Updating these definitions further protects consumers from bureaucratic overreach. It means the Department of Revenue cannot unilaterally decide to increase taxes on consumers,” Grove said.
The bill now goes to the governor for his signature.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepGrove.com /
Facebook.com/RepSethGrove