Earlier this week, the FCC released revisions to the annual and quarterly reporting forms that must be filed by interstate telecommunications providers. Although the obligation to make these filings is often overlooked, it is important for service providers to file these forms accurately, completely, and timely. Failure to do so can lead to costly investigations and FCC fines.

Telecommunications carriers and other companies, including VoIP providers, must file annual (FCC Form 499A) and quarterly (FCC Form 499Q) reports using the FCC's Telecommunications Reporting Worksheets. The reported information, including collected and projected revenues, is used by the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company to calculate a service provider's obligations to contribute to the support of FCC telecom-related programs, such as the Universal Service Fund, Telecommunications Relay Services, telephone numbering administration, and local number portability.

On November 30, the FCC released a revised annual FCC Form 499A and instructions, and a revised FCC Form 499Q with instructions, which are to be used for filings in 2021. The FCC also released a Public Notice describing these latest revisions.