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NYS Tax Department highlights sales tax exemption for certain computer system hardware components
Editorial by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded software and website professionals that the purchase of computer hardware may be exempt from sales tax. The exemption can be worth up to several hundred dollars in savings when purchasing laptops or desktop computer systems.
In general, no state or local sales tax will be charged on the purchase of computer system hardware when it's used more than 50 percent of the time to:
Computer systems that are rented or leased may qualify for the exemption, as well.
"This tax exemption should be especially appealing to self-employed freelancers involved in website development and software-related services," Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion said. "At the same time, it enhances New York's reputation as an attractive destination for an array of high-tech businesses."
The exempt hardware runs the gamut from laptops to external hard drives. Designing and developing services include system analysis, program design, coding, testing, debugging and documentation activities.
The use of computer system hardware for administration, production or distribution activities isn't eligible for this exemption.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 65,000 software developers in New York, and more than 10,000 website designers.
To claim the exemption, the purchaser must provide a completed form ST-121.3 to the computer hardware seller.
For more information:
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
