You may notice a charge on your statement labled "TIFA".  This stands for the "Telecommunications Infrastructure Fee Assessment".  The TIF assessment was created by House Bill 2128, 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995 (Public Regulatory Act of 1995, §3.606). The funds collected will be used to make awards, grants, and loans to rural and urban school districts, institutions of higher education, and public libraries for projects and proposals that provide training, equipment, curriculum, and delivery of courses for distance learning and telemedicine services.

The current rate for TIFA (as of January 1, 2002) is approximately 1.25%. This applies only to your airtime charges. It does not apply to other fees such as maintenance plans and voice mail packages.

For more detailed information, visit the State Comptroller's website at:  http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/faqtif.html

If you still have questions or concerns, please contact the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at the following address:

            Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
            Post Office Box 13528, Capitol Station
            Austin, Texas 78711-3528
            800-252-5555

You may also e-mail them at: texas.comptroller@cpa.state.tx.us