Late Filing Fees

Note: As of October 2024, USAC no longer sends paper invoices. Late filing fees are visible in your company’s billing statements.

A late filing fee may be imposed on a company for failing to file a required FCC Form 499-A or FCC Form 499-Q. In addition, the company is also responsible for administrative charges of collection or penalties (31 U.S.C. Section 3717). The FCC may also pursue enforcement action against delinquent companies and assess costs for collection activities in addition to those imposed by USAC.

All companies that fail to file their FCC Form 499-A or FCC Forms 499-Q (if applicable) within 30 days of the due date will be assessed a late filing fee by USAC.

A new late filing fee will appear as an individual billing statement. The statement balance will update as charges accrue. To view any late filing fees, go to your list of billing statements in E-File.

Calculating Late Filing Fees

The late filing fee is the greater of $100 per month, or an amount computed using the rate of the U.S. prime rate (in effect on the due date of the form) plus 3.5 percent multiplied against the company’s monthly contribution obligation (FCC 07-150) as determined by USAC. Companies will continue to be billed late filing fees on a monthly basis for forms not submitted to USAC by the due date until such time as the form is submitted.

Example:

Determine Late Filing Fee obligation for one month (30 days).
Amount = Monthly USF Obligation * (US Prime Rate + 3.5%) /365 * 30 days

• If the Amount <= $100
  Late Filing Fee = $100.00 * Number of Months Late
• If the Amount > $100
  Late Filing Fee = Monthly USF Obligation * (US Prime Rate + 3.5%) /365 * # of Days Late

Ending Late Filing Fee Accrual

In order to end the accrual of late filing fees, the company must submit the form that is due following the process for making form revisions. USAC cannot waive FCC rules, including late filing fees, so providers must file an appeal directly with the FCC if they wish to dispute accrued late filing fees.