Any telecommuting fpDevelopers watching this?

[Mike Schwartz (PC Support & Services, Appleton, WI)]

On Wed, March 30, 2005 6:20, Walter Vaughan said:
> Seems the state of New York thinks that it has nexis[0] if you remotely
>
     Thanks for the "heads up", even though I don't have any New York
customers.

     In many states, "custom programming" is considered a professional
service, and, hence, is not taxable.  (It's nice to think they rank
programmers in with Doctors, lawyers and CPAs...)

     In Wisconsin, PREVIOUSLY a "custom written computer program" had to
have a total value of $50,000.00 worth of labor before it was
considered a "professionally written custom computer program", but
that requirement was dropped several years ago.

     For example, now if I stop by a new customer for just an hour and
write a small custom spreadsheet, that is not taxable.  BUT, if I
also have to install Microsoft Excel, then the WHOLE HOUR becomes
taxable! So I have to separate out my custom programming time from my
equipment and canned program installation time.

     You also have to watch licensing requirements.  In one area of
Florida where I work, I can do programming work, but I can NOT
install network wiring or even plug an existing computer into the
network, because equipment installation of any kind requires a
license!  (I have to have the owner walk over and crawl under the
desk to do the final plug-in of the network and electrical cables.)

      Fortunately, with the Internet, you can check state tax web sites
and email licensing agencies much easier than you could on the phone
in years past.  Cheaper, too.  I used to have a $400.00 a month
phone bill.  (In 1980 I moved in with 2 new roommates, and forgot to
tell them to expect the $400.00.  When I walked into house after
work, he was on the phone, reaming the phone company up and down
that none of these charges could possibly be his.  I looked at the
bill and said, "Yep, they're all mine!"  I wish I had a camera to
capture the look on his face when he had to apologize to the phone
company.  I had to pay for the beers and pizza that night...)

--
Mike Schwartz
PC Support & Services
3650 N Suncrest Lane
Appleton, WI 54914