(a) In general. Section 4251 imposes a tax on amounts paid for general telephone service; toll telephone service; telegraph service; teletypewriter exchange service; wire mileage service; and wire and equipment service. See § 49.4251-2 for rate and application of tax.

(b) Termination of tax on general telephone service. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, no tax is imposed on amounts paid on or after July 1, 1965, for general telephone service rendered on or after such date.

(2) In the case of amounts paid pursuant to bills rendered on or after July 1, 1965, for general telephone service for which no previous bill was rendered, no tax is imposed on that portion of the amount paid pursuant to such bill or bills as is attributable to general telephone service rendered subsequent to April 30, 1965. However, the tax applies to that portion of the amount paid pursuant to any such bill or bills as is attributable to general telephone service rendered prior to May 1, 1965. The tax also applies to amounts paid for general telephone service pursuant to bills rendered before July 1, 1965, without regard to when the payment is made or the service is rendered.