South Carolina, Virginia issue guidelines on taxability of calling cards. The South Caroline Department of Revenue has determined that prepaid calling cards to be used with land-based phones are

“not subject to sales tax since this transaction is not a sale of tangible personal property. The transaction is merely the exchange of money for an intangible evidence of a future right to telephone service. The taxable transaction takes place when the telephone calling card is used.” However, South Carolina does consider prepaid calling cards purchased for use exclusively with wireless phones or other wireless devices to be subject to sales tax at the time of purchase. Calling cards will be taxable upon the initial purchase in Virginia as of July 1, 2004 and exempt from all other state or local utility taxes. The initial purchase of calling cards has been outlined in the definition of the term “tangible personal property,” as it refers to personal property that may be seen weighed, measured, felt, or touch, or is in any other manner perceptible to the senses. (Revenue Ruling 04-4, South Carolina Department of Revenue, March 25, 2004; Virginia Ch 60 (HB 246), Laws 2004, signed March 8, 2004)

Posted on April 15, 2004