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FCC Trying To Help Broadcasters on Incentive Auction Deferred Taxes

The FCC is “trying to be helpful” to broadcasters seeking deferred taxes on their takings from the reverse auction or from channel sharing agreements, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told us during a news conference Thursday. Several broadcasters have approached the…

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FCC over the issue recently (see 1511130041). Wheeler said efforts to have incentive auction proceeds taxed favorably began with a letter from the commission to the IRS early in the auction process. Wheeler was asked Thursday if he was open to delaying the incentive auction, and he replied that the auction is 131 days away -- referencing the planned March 29 start date. Commissioners Ajit Pai and Mike O’Rielly said the FCC should be willing to delay the auction if required for the process or the auction software to run smoothly. “The ultimate timing is up to the chairman,” Pai said.