CT-186-E: Telecommunications Tax Return and Utility Services Tax Return (2024)
New York · NY DTF · Used for tax years 2024
Form CT-186-E is New York’s Telecommunications Tax Return and Utility Services Tax Return for 2024. It reports excise taxes on telecommunication services, tax on gross income, and related MTA surcharges, along with credits, prepayments, and any balance due or overpayment.
When it's due
- 2024 tax year: Line 96 lists the mandatory first installment from Form CT-300 as due by March 15, 2024.
The supplied form does not print a deadline for filing the 2024 CT-186-E return.
What you'll need
Have the information and attachments needed for the parts of the return that apply to you:
- Business identification details, including your EIN, file number, legal name, mailing address, and NAICS business code from NYS Publication 910.
- Gross charges, exclusions, deductions, and credit amounts for the applicable telecommunications schedules.
- Utility receipts, interest, dividends, royalties, and profits for Schedule C, if applicable. Attach lists of allowable deductions on lines 69 and 79, and an interest and dividend list if needed.
- Prepayment dates and amounts, including payments from Forms CT-300, CT-400, and CT-5.9-E, plus overpayments credited from other returns or prior years. Attach a separate sheet if you need more space.
- Tax credit forms claimed on lines 41 and 91. Those lines direct you to mark the applicable boxes and attach the forms.
How to file
The form says to see the instructions for where to file. No instructions were supplied, and the form text does not provide a mailing address or e-file directions.
The printed completion and payment directions include:
- Have an authorized person complete and sign the certification.
- Enter the payment amount from line 18 on line A on page 1.
- Make payment payable to New York State Corporation Tax.
- Attach the payment in the space provided and detach all check stubs.
Common mistakes
- Completing utility schedules when they do not apply: If you are not subject to Department of Public Service supervision, mark box A on page 4 and do not complete Schedule C or D. If you are subject to supervision, mark box B and complete Schedule C and, if applicable, Schedule D.
- Skipping applicable MCTD schedules: If you provided telecommunications services in the MCTD, the form directs you to complete Schedules B and F as applicable. If you were subject to Department of Public Service supervision and provided utility services in the MCTD, complete Schedule D.
- Missing credit attachments: Lines 41 and 91 direct you to mark the applicable credit-form boxes and attach the forms.
- Leaving check stubs attached: The payment directions say to detach all check stubs.
Questions people ask
What tax period does this form cover?
This version of Form CT-186-E is for calendar year 2024.
What telecommunications tax rates are printed on the form?
Schedule A uses a 2.5% rate. Schedule E uses a 2.9% rate for the mobile telecommunications services reported there.
How does Schedule C calculate the tax on gross income?
Line 88 says to multiply gross income on line 86 by 2.5% if that income is greater than $500. Otherwise, enter 0. This is a tax calculation rule, not a stated filing threshold.
Can an overpayment be credited to next year or refunded?
Lines 20a and 20b provide for credits to next year’s New York State tax and MTA surcharge. Line 21 calculates the refund by subtracting those credits from the overpayment on line 19.
Can I update my business address or phone number online?
Yes. The form says corporation tax address or phone information, and information for other tax types, can be updated online. It refers you to the Business information section in Form CT-1.