CHULA VISTA, Calif. (July 2, 2013) – The $8 million settlement of a class action lawsuit between wireless phone users and the City of Chula Vista means thousands of local residents are eligible for refunds – but valid claims must be filed by July 31, 2013 for eligible residents to receive their cash payments. The three payment options are $35, $50 per year of cell phone service ($150 maximum), or an estimated full refund.
A final public meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday July 15, to aid eligible taxpayers in completing their claims for payments. To be held at the Chula Vista Civic Library, Civic Center Branch Auditorium, 365 F Street in Chula Vista, the meeting will explain specifically how citizens can apply for and receive the cash refunds. Counsel and representatives – English and Spanish speaking – will assist in answering questions and filling out claim forms.The refunds are available to Chula Vista wireless phone users who paid the City’s Telephone/Utility Users Taxes (TUT/UUT) on their wireless phone bills from April 2010 through April 2013. A valid claim must be filed by July 31 to get payment – to obtain a full refund, residents must get certain telephone records from their wireless phone carriers, which may take several days.
Under the direction of a San Diego Superior Court, all Chula Vista residents received Claim Form and Notice of Settlement packages via mail in early May. To request this information, residents can call 1-888-270-0735 and it will be mailed again. All residents will receive reminder postcards with settlement information around July 8.
The lawsuit, Carla Villa, et al. v. City of Chula Vista, was brought by two Chula Vista residents on behalf of Chula Vista taxpayers and was filed by the San Diego law offices of CaseyGerry and the Newport Beach offices of Capretz & Associates.
Additional information about who is qualified to receive refunds and the claims process is available online at www.ChulaVistaCellPhoneTaxSettlement.com, via phone at 1-888-270-0735, or you can contact the lawyers for the class at (619) 238-1811 and 1-800-351-8588.
