• VoIP providers in Pennsylvania pay a 911 fee to the stateheadset f??r internet telefon image by Matthias Nordmeyer from Fotolia.com
  
  Providers of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone services are subject to different laws in various states. Gone are the days when they weren't regulated like other telecommunications providers. In Pennsylvania, VoIP providers have to pay state and local sales tax like other telecommunications providers. Since 2008, the state also has regulation on payment of a 911 fee by VoIP providers.
  
  

VoIP 911 Fee

• Pennsylvania law requires VoIP providers in the state to collect a fee of $1 per month from each VoIP customer who can make outbound calls from the number. VoIP providers should collect this fee in addition to any other 911 fee they charge, and remit it quarterly or monthly to the county or state treasurer. The VoIP provider can choose whether they want to remit the money to the county or state treasurer.
  
  

Costs

• As a reimbursement for billing, collecting and passing on to the state this 911 fee, Pennsylvania regulations allow VoIP providers to retain up to 2 percent of the total money they collect from customers if the VoIP providers make payments to the county. If the VoIP provider makes payments to the state treasury, they can retain up to 1 percent of the total receipts as reimbursement for the costs associated with billing, collecting and remittance of the fee.
  
  

Compliance

• The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has the authority to enforce compliance of VoIP providers with this 911 fee payment. VoIP providers who make direct payments to the county should provide PEMA with a quarterly report in writing showing the details of the payments. The report must be submitted within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, VoIP providers should make annual reports to PEMA providing details about their payments, whether to the county or the state treasurer. This annual report is due within 30 days of the end of the calendar year.