Reader Saves $89.76 On Verizon Fees By Changing "Primary Area Of Use"

One of our readers was able to save $89.76/year in surcharges on his Verizon bill by changing his primary area of use to NJ from NY.

Turns out that NJ has fewer surcharges than New York. Good for people who signed up for service under one address, but then actually use the phone more in a state with fewer surcharges. To do it with Verizon, just log into your account and go under My Profile -> Phone Usage addresses. Other services you can probably just call up or do it online as well. Caution, though, depending on your plan, you could then open yourself up to roaming charges if you don’t actually use it most often in the area you say you are.

Breakdown of the difference in charges between the two states below.

NY TAXES

Verizon Wireless Surcharges and Other Charges & Credits $4.24
Fed Universal Service Charge $0.96
Regulatory Charge $0.07
Administrative Charge $0.85
Gross Receipts Surchg $2.36
Taxes, Governmental Surcharges & Fees $5.27
NY State E911 Fee $1.20
NY City 911 Surchg $0.30
NY State Sales Tax $1.80
New York City Sales Tax $1.80
NY Local McTd Sales Tax $0.17

TOTAL $19.02

NJ TAXES

Verizon Wireless Surcharges and Other Charges & Credits $1.81
Fed Universal Service Charge $0.89
Regulatory Charge $0.07
Administrative Charge $0.85
Taxes, Governmental Surcharges & Fees $3.96
NJ 911 System/Emerg. Resp. Fee $0.90
NJ State Sales Tax $3.06

TOTAL $11.54

Difference = $7.48

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