Freelance Graphic and Web Design Tax?

New York State Sales Tax: Web Design?

• Is a web template, that is downloadable upon purchase, taxable in New York State? As a web designer, my service is non-taxable. However, I read something about downloadable software and it was a bit confusing. If I create a custom web site for a client, it is not taxable, but what about if I create a template for a web site and allow many people the option to buy the template and download it? Is it now taxable? Also, if it IS taxable because it is no longer a custom service . . . if I allow the user to customize the template, or if I offer custom tweaks to the template by myself . . . is it now non taxable again? Gosh, why can't they just make things simple. PS (should be a law where politicians/lawmakers are not allowed to use accountants or lawyers to do their taxes. They should be mandated to do their own taxes. If they find it too confusing, then they should change the laws.)

• Answer:

  It seems you answered your own question. what is your source and maybe I comment better on it. Usually NY tries to tax everything they possibly can. Designing a site for a client is a personal service your provide so that's not taxable but down-loadable software is a re-sellable good (separate from your service) and therefore can be taxable.