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Department of Taxation and Finance

Albany County Increases Wireless Communications Surcharge Rates

Effective September 1, 2024

WCS-24-1

August 8, 2024


A public safety communications surcharge is imposed on postpaid and prepaid wireless communications services in New York State. New York City and counties outside New York City may also impose a local surcharge on postpaid and prepaid wireless communications services. 

Beginning September 1, 2024, Albany County is increasing its surcharge rates on wireless communications services.

  • Postpaid: WCS-1, Postpaid Wireless Communications Surcharge Return

The combined state and local surcharge rate will increase from $1.50 to $2.45. When you Web File, use the Albany County $2.45 entry line to report the surcharge on all devices in service during any part of a month for every customer whose place of primary use is in Albany County.

  • Prepaid: WCS-2-PRE, Prepaid Wireless Communications Surcharge Return

The combined state and local surcharge rate will increase from $1.20 to $2.15. When you Web File, use the Albany County $2.15 entry line to report retail sales of prepaid wireless communications services in Albany County.

These surcharge rate increases will expire on June 30, 2032.

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