Virgin Mobile Help
Virgin Mobile Help: If you've just got a new cellular phone account with Virgin Mobile, or if you've got a new phone and you want to learn about features, downloading, text messaging, or how to set up your voice mail, we've got the information you need right here. Learn technical information, like how to browse the Web, how to top up your account, set up alerts, or learn about the newest ringtones, graphics, and exclusive content available from Virgin Mobile.
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Does Virgin Mobile charge sales taxes? If so, how are taxes calculated?
Virgin Mobile charges sales tax on Top-Ups, purchases of equipment and accessories, and shipping and handling charges, where required by law. The assessment and calculation of sales taxes are based on the laws applicable for the billing address of the debit/credit card or PayPal account you used to make the payment.
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I Topped-Up online and was charged tax. Isn't it supposed to be tax free.
Unfortunately, Top-Ups are one of those products that the government requires us to charge tax on even when you buy it over the Internet. Sorry about that, but that's a government thing that Virgin Mobile really can't control.
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I signed up for Auto Top-Up, the total charge say "estimated." Why?
That's because the tax rate used to calculate tax when you signed-up for Auto Top-Up may vary over time due to changes in tax laws, etc. So the amount you're charged for tax today may not be the same amount you're charged in the future. Again, that's a government thing; it's not under Virgin Mobile's control.
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I applied for a Top-Up card and received an Alert saying there was no tax charged. Why?
The Top-Up Card you bought was already charged tax by the store where you bought it. Virgin Mobile doesn't have to charge you tax on top of that.
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What is the Federal Excise Tax (FET)?
The FET is a three percent surcharge originally imposed by Congress on all telephone services in 1898 as a temporary means to fund the Spanish-American War.
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Why did Virgin Mobile stop collecting the FET?
Based on the decisions of five federal appeals courts that ruled that the FET did not apply to certain telecommunications services, including wireless services, the IRS recently determined that wireless customers are no longer required to pay the FET.
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When did Virgin Mobile stop collecting the FET?
Virgin Mobile stopped collecting the FET from certain customers on June 14, 2006.
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The IRS has issued guidance concerning the process by which eligible taxpayers can claim a refund of previously paid FET. Generally, any individual who paid the FET on nontaxable services after February 28, 2003 can claim a refund on their 2006 federal individual income tax return. Taxpayers can elect to receive a standard amount based on the number of exemptions claimed on their tax return, or in the alternative request a refund for actual amounts paid. Please check the IRS website
www.irs.gov for additional details.
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So what if I want to claim a refund of the actual amounts of FET I paid?
Virgin Mobile did not bill and collect the FET from Day2Day or Minute2Minute subscribers. Therefore, Day2Day or Minute2Minute subscribers are ineligible for an FET refund unless they had other eligible telephone services on which they paid the FET.
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But I was a Month2Month subscriber and I want to know the actual amount of FET I was charged?
If you were a Month2Month subscriber at any point between September 1, 2005 - May 31, 2006 and would like to receive this FET information, please send an e-mail with your name and Virgin Mobile telephone number to
FETrefund@virginmobileusa.com.
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I was a Minute2Minute or Day2Day customer, aren't I entitled to a refund?
While the IRS has not made any definitive conclusions, it has indicated that only those customers who made FET payments will be entitled to a refund. Virgin Mobile did not bill and collect the FET directly from Day2Day or Minute2Minute customers. As a result, these customers may be ineligible for an FET refund.
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I am a new Minute2Minute or Day2Day customer. Am I entitled to a FET refund from my previous carier?
The IRS is still working to determine the specifics of the refund process. The IRS has indicated, however, that wireless customers who made FET payments between February 28, 2003 and June 16, 2006 will be able to obtain a refund. As a result, you should be able to receive a refund for FET payments made to your previous wireless provider. Please check the IRS website at
www.irs.gov for additional details.
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If I qualify for tax-exempt status, how do I make sure that my purchases and Top-Ups aren't taxed?
If you are tax-exempt, please call Virgin Mobile At Your Service at 1-888-322-1122 and ask a Live Advisor to help you out.
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