e-911 Information

Retailers that sell wireless telephones or pre-paid telecommunication services (i.e. pre-paid cell phone minutes or phone cards) are subject to the pre-paid wireless emergency-911 surcharge (pre-paid e-911 surcharge). Effective March 1, 2024, the rate will increase from $1.65 to $1.95 per retail transaction. This surcharge is collected on each retail transaction regardless of whether the service or pre-paid wireless telephone is purchased in person, by phone, online, or by any other method. The pre-paid e-911 surcharge is to be charged and collected by the retailer in addition to any other charges or fees and is not to be included for purposes of calculating sales tax.

There will not be a separate return for the pre-paid e-911 surcharge. It is to be reported on the Sales and Use Tax Return, which has been modified to include a separate line item to report the surcharge. Pre-paid e-911 surcharges are to be collected by a seller and reported and remitted to the Department of Revenue with the same filing frequency and by the same due dates as a seller’s sales/use tax returns.

Retailers that timely report and remit this surcharge, are entitled to a 1.5 percent discount. This discount is separate from the discount available for timely remitting sales tax returns and payments and will automatically be calculated by the department. Both discounts are applicable only if the return is filed and payment in full is made on or before the sales tax due date. Additionally, retailers are responsible for keeping records detailing non-retail sales transactions, which may be requested for review by the department.

For more information on the pre-paid e-911 surcharge, visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center at revenue.pa.gov or call 717-787-1064.​