I work from the house. Will my Internet Tax Authority be compensated for me?

If you are one of the millions who work from home completely, then you know a High speed internet Communication is necessary to complete your work efficiently. But although the employer usually provides the necessary computer and applications, WFH people are usually responsible for their internet service – which can get the price very quickly if you are looking for The fastest connection.

However, based on where you live, the employer may be required to compensate you for some of the required expenses (or all), including Internet service. In addition, you may be able to deduct each other Internet expenses For the tax season, but do not rely on it. See below what is needed to qualify for compensation on your internet bill.

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The employer’s payment of home internet is different, depending on the case

There is no federal law that requires companies to compensate for employees away from home expenses such as Internet service. The only exception is if the mid -wage expenses of the employee drop without a minimum federal of $ 7.25, According to the Ministry of Labor. ((Editor’s noteThis page was removed shortly after the Trump administration took office in late January.)

Government employment laws of employers can require covering at least part of the internet bill or other work expenses from home. CaliforniaFor example, the states in Labor Law 2802 The employer “must his employee or employee at all expenses or losses that the employee incurred in a direct result to take his duties.”

For remote employees, home internet costs can definitely be considered “necessary expenses”. It may be “necessary” only, when the employee has no choice but to work from home. If going to the office is an option, but the employee chooses to work remotely, then compensation for the expenses of the home office, including the Internet, is not guaranteed.

A few selected cases – Illinoisand Montanaand New Hampshireand Northern Dakota and South Dakota, plus Washington, DC You have similar laws. Most of them do not do that, like my state South Carolina. In such cases, a generous company may help cover the costs of the Internet or other expenses to work from home voluntarily or by demand, but I will not rely on it.

What can be expected if you are eligible to get the internet payment to the home

We use the Internet for more than work. Since the employer is on the hook only for the expenses related to work, he does not have a technically to cover the time he spends using Internet broadcast Or any activities other than work. If you work 180 hours during the 720 -hour internet bills course, the employer will have to cover a quarter of my bill only – this is only in the states where the laws require.

Likewise, the employer will not be required to compensate me for excessive data fees because many of the activities other than work also contribute to the use of monthly data. Regardless of those who pay the Internet bill, it is better to avoid excessive amounts completely Internet data use management Or shift to Provided with unlimited data.

Even in the countries where laws require, calculate the extent of your employer’s debtor, you can be a bit complicated, and for some, the troubles are more than it may be. Some employers may simplify things by providing employees from a monthly salary dimension. The specified amount can go towards internet bills, home office equipment or other expenses that incur as a result of work from home. If it covers the entire internet bill, it is great. If not, this is at least something.

What if you were in one state and the employer in another?

In general, the laws of wages and compensation apply to the state in which the employee physically performs work, not the situation in which the company is located.

If I live in South Carolina, but work remotely for a company based in WashingtonThe employer will be asked to meet the requirements of the minimum wage in South Carolina, despite the presence of Washington The highest minimum wage. (Technically, Washington, DC, has the highest essential rate, but it is not a case.) The same logic applies to a possible payment of home internet.

What if I lived in California, but the employer is located in a state where work expenses are not covered from home? This is a little more difficult and may differ by state. Such situations may require a conversation with human resources or, in serious cases, a lawyer who specializes in the employment law.

Are the costs of the Internet discount?

Another swing and miss here. the The Tax Authority clarifies this That the employees (if you receive W-2, this means that you) are not qualified to demand the discount of the Ministry of Interior.

Tax and job discounts for 2017 Delivery of taxes suspended for home discounts For employees until 2025, the opponent may return in the future.

As with any good tax law, there are some Exceptions to deduct the house office For employees. K-12 qualified teachers may qualify to obtain a discount, as well as employees who bear the expenses of work weakness, the presence of reserves in the armed forces, the artists who are qualified for fees, local government officials or local government officials.

Better luck for workers for their own account

The free work of the house and Small business owners may be eligible to deduct the house office. Conditions apply, but according to the Tax Authority, The main rehabilitation is that housing is the main place for businessAnd there is “an exclusive use of a part of the house to do business regularly.”

Those who qualify and rely on the Internet for business behavior should include internet costs with facilities expenses when filling Form 8829. If the taxpayer uses the same internet service to work and general use of the home, then you can only deduct the used part of work.

Fortunately, there are other ways to memorize

The Internet service is a necessary account when working from home, but employers are not obligated to help cover the Internet costs in many states, and no tax discounts are available. There is another Practical ways to reduce the internet bill in your home. Using your Wi-Fi equipmentReducing your plan or Convert to another provider They are just a few ways that you can provide online at home.

For more ways to save your home, check out CNET home tips section. For more information about potential tax discounts and taxes in general, be sure to visit CNET tax axis page.