AT&T illegally charges tax for Internet access

State officials say A-T-and-T Broadband is wrongly charging Iowans sales tax for high-speed Internet access. The sales tax is about two dollars a month for most customers, but to those who’ve complained, it’s not the amount, but the principle. State Revenue and Finance Department spokeswoman Renee Mulvey says Internet access charges have been exempt from state taxes since 1999. Mulvey says everyone who’s been charged the tax is due a refund, but it’s not an easy process.Mulvey says A-T-and-T Broadband has been sold to Mediacom which is working on the complicated process of changing its billing system. She says customers need to continue paying the tax, even though they shouldn’t have to pay it. She says if customers don’t pay the full amount, they will see it on their next bill. She says you can file with the state to get the tax money back.Iowans can get a refund form from the state by calling 800 532-1531 or by logging on to: “www.state.ia.us/tax/forms/22009.pdf”.