If you are one of millions that work from home full -time, you know a high -speed internet The connection is essential for the efficient completion of your work. But while the employer usually provides a computer and necessary applications, people at WFH are usually responsible for their internet service – which can get expensive pretty fast if you are looking for The fastest connection.
That said, depending on where you live, your employer may be required to compensate for some (or all) of the required costs, including the internet service. In addition, you may be able to take a part of your Internet costs For the tax season, but don't count on it. Take a look below what is needed to qualify for your internet account compensation.
Read more: My experience with internet home T-Mobile: 5 things I love and a few things I could do without
Employer's fee for home internet varies by state
No federal law requires companies to compensate for remote employees for domestic costs, such as the Internet service. The only exception is if the costs listed reduces the employee's average hourly salary under the federal minimum of $ 7.25, According to the Ministry of Labor. (The editor's note: This site was removed shortly after the Trump administration took office at the end of January.)
State employment laws may require employers to cover at least part of the Internet account or other work costs from home. CaliforniaFor example, states in Labor Code 2802 that the employer “will compensate his employee for all the necessary expenditures or losses made by the employee in a direct consequence of the performance of his duties.”
This is my modest setting WFH.
For remote employees, home home costs can certainly be considered “necessary spending”. It can only be “needed” when the employee has no choice but to work from home. If entering the office is an option but the employee chooses to work remotely, no compensation for home office costs, including the Internet, is not guaranteed.
Choose several states – Illinois, Montana, Newoo Hampshire, North Dakota And South Dakota, Plus Washington – have similar laws. Most not, like my home state of South Carolina. In such states, a generous company can help cover the costs of the Internet or other work costs at home voluntarily or on request, but I would not depend on it.
What to expect if you are entitled to compensation on home internet
We use the Internet for much more than work. Since the employer is in the hook only for work -related costs, technically does not have to cover the time spent using Streaming Internet or any other non -working activities. If I worked for 180 hours during the 720 -hour internet collection cycle, my employer would have to cover only a quarter or more of my account – and that's only in countries where laws require.
Similarly, the employer is not required to compensate me for taxi for excessive data use because so many activities that do not work also contribute to my monthly data use. Regardless of who pays the account on the Internet, it is better to avoid excessive overcoming Managing data use on the Internet or switching to a A provider with unlimited data.
Even in countries where the laws require, calculating how much your employer owes you you can be a little complicated, and for some, more problems than it may be worth. Some employers can simplify things by offering remote employees a monthly scholarship. The set amount can go to internet accounts, home office equipment or other costs incurred as a result of home work. If you cover the entire internet account, great. If not, at least that's something.
What if I'm in one country and my employer is in another?
In general, salary and compensation laws relate to the state where the employee is physically working, not the state in which the company is located.
If I live in South Carolina but I work remotely for a company based in WashingtonThe employer will be required to meet the minimum wage requirements in South Carolina, although Washington has Minimum wage with the largest state. (Technically, Washington, DC, has the highest basic minimum rate, but not a condition.) The same logic refers to a possible home internet compensation.
What if I live in California, but my employer is based in a state where the cost of working from home is not covered? It is a little more tricky and can vary by state. Such situations may require a conversation with HR or, in serious cases, a lawyer specializing in employment law.
Do domestic internet costs are decreasing tax?
Another swing and misses here. The IRS explains it That employees (if you get B-2, it means you) have no right to demand a reduction in the Ministry of Interior.
The Law on Tax Reduction and Jobs from 2017 Suspended Tax Records for Homes' Tax For employees by 2025, so that refusal can be returned in the future.
As with any good tax law, there are some Exceptions from the reduction of the internal office For employees. Eligible K-12 teachers may qualify for reduction, along with employees who suffer work costs related to damage, reservists in the armed forces, qualified contractors and officials for state or local self-government.
Better happiness for self -employed
Work-from home freelance translators and Small business owners may be entitled to reducing the internal office. Terms are applied but according to IRS, The main qualification is that the stay is the main place of businessAnd there is “exclusive use of part of a home for regular business”.
Those who qualify and rely on the Internet for doing business should include internet costs with utility costs when filling out Form 8829. If the taxpayer uses the same internet service for work and general home use, only the part used for work can be revoked.
Fortunately, there are other ways to save
The Internet Service is a necessary cost when working from home, but employers are not obliged to help cover internet costs in many countries and there are no tax relief. There are others Practical ways to reduce your home internet account. Using your own Wi-Fi equipmentReduce your plan or Switching to another provider are just a few ways you can save on home internet.
For more ways to save around your home, check Part for CNET Homes Tips. For more information on possible tax deductions and taxes at all, be sure to visit Page for CNET Tax Centers.