The bill or assessment
This is the amount shown for the service, invoice or tax obligation. Check who issued it, the reference and the currency. A question about the basis of a government assessment belongs with the issuing institution.
A separate payment charge
Where a charge is shown for a payment method or service, read it separately from the underlying bill. Check whether the charge is fixed or percentage-based, what amount it applies to and whether it is included in the displayed total.
A percentage needs a base
A percentage of a service charge is different from the same percentage of an entire invoice. To understand a quoted figure, identify the amount being divided, the agreement it applies to and the period it covers.
A fee stated for an earlier government contract should not be used as a current customer tariff. Check the charge displayed for your specific transaction before approving it.
Keep the breakdown
Retain the invoice and payment confirmation, including the amount, currency and any charge. If the total differs from the amount you expected, ask for the breakdown before proceeding. For a completed transaction, include both records when raising a query.