Sales Tax on Drone Photography

[lookingup]

Is drone photography subject to state sales tax? If you go to a site, take pictures, then delivery them in an email, is that subject to sales tax? I'm sure that depends on what state you are doing business in (or selling to), but does anyone have a general opinion?

 

[FLDave]

It depends on the state regulations. Are you selling a finished product or a service. The state will identify what is taxable. Texas department of revenue should have the information you need.

 

[brett8883]

Yea it’s too general of a question to be answered generally. Depends on the state

 

[tlyons]

Is drone photography subject to state sales tax? If you go to a site, take pictures, then delivery them in an email, is that subject to sales tax? I'm sure that depends on what state you are doing business in (or selling to), but does anyone have a general opinion?

Yes.

Tax Policy News

A monthly newsletter about Texas Tax Policy, November 2019.

comptroller.texas.gov

6.25% to Texas
1% to Dallas
1% to Dallas MTA

 

[BigAl07]

7% in North Carolina after 2016
Untaxed in North Carolina prior to 2016

It whole heartedly depends on your state. Contact a Tax Professional in your area for the correct (and legal) answer. I was told by a few different sources that it was NOT Taxable here because we delivered no "physical goods". That was wrong.

 

[Anhelmoras]

According to some sources, drone photography can be considered a taxable service or product in most states that collect sales tax. This means that if you sell photographs or videos taken by a drone to your customers, you may have to collect and remit sales tax to the state. However, there are some exceptions and variations depending on the state. For example, some states may not tax digital goods, such as photos or videos delivered electronically. Some states may also exempt certain types of photography services, such as educational, artistic, or journalistic purposes. Some states may also have different rules for shipping charges, sitting fees, or other related costs.

Therefore, it’s important to research the laws and regulations in your state before starting a drone photography business. You may also need to obtain a sales tax permit from your state’s Department of Revenue or similar agency. You may also need to comply with federal and local licensing requirements for flying a drone commercially.

 

[R.Cowan]

Is drone photography subject to state sales tax? If you go to a site, take pictures, then delivery them in an email, is that subject to sales tax? I'm sure that depends on what state you are doing business in (or selling to), but does anyone have a general opinion?

My understanding in Texas is, "yes". While most of my images are delivered to clients via DropBox and sometimes USB flash drive, you are still selling a product. 8.25% for me that includes state and local taxes.

 

[Robert Prior]

Surely drone photography would be treated the same as regular photography?

In Texas the answer seems to be 'it depends'.

STAR: State Automated Tax Research for the State of Texas

Do photographers have to charge sales tax?

Houston Real Estate Photographer specializing in Aerial Photography

www.patrickbertolino.com

 

[Bob Jones]

Is drone photography subject to state sales tax? If you go to a site, take pictures, then delivery them in an email, is that subject to sales tax? I'm sure that depends on what state you are doing business in (or selling to), but does anyone have a general opinion?

That would depend on if you get paid I would think. Any income is taxable, in Canada anyway.

 

[Robert Prior]

That would depend on if you get paid I would think. Any income is taxable, in Canada anyway.

Subject to GST anyway, unless it's a zero-rated or exempt good or service. There are a lot of those. Ferries, child care, music lessons, legal aid… but not photography!

General Information for GST/HST Registrants - Canada.ca

This guide provides basic information about GST/HST, including registration, charging and collecting the tax, input tax credits, filing GST/HST returns, real property, and more.

www.canada.ca

 

[ariburling]

Is drone photography subject to state sales tax? If you go to a site, take pictures, then delivery them in an email, is that subject to sales tax? I'm sure that depends on what state you are doing business in (or selling to), but does anyone have a general opinion?

In CT the reg is no sales tax on something delivered digitally. If I make prints and sell them, yes. GOOD LUCK, ask your accountant to be sure

 

[kstone]

it is taxed when its a physical product but some states are no tax if it is a digital service

 

[vsasolutions]

Is drone photography subject to state sales tax? If you go to a site, take pictures, then delivery them in an email, is that subject to sales tax? I'm sure that depends on what state you are doing business in (or selling to), but does anyone have a general opinion?

In Florida I am selling a creative service, and like photography service or accounting service, not subject to sales tax. You mileage will vary per state.

 

[Lambini]

It is state-specific. Here in Minnesota, it's a taxable deliverable.

 

[R.Cowan]

Is drone photography subject to state sales tax? If you go to a site, take pictures, then delivery them in an email, is that subject to sales tax? I'm sure that depends on what state you are doing business in (or selling to), but does anyone have a general opinion?

Yes, it is taxable in Texas.

 

[pearsonnel]

It is state-specific. Here in Minnesota, it's a taxable deliverable.

How is that? Is it the same everywhere, or does it vary depending on the state? Tax regulations can be tricky, and what applies in one place might be completely different somewhere else. It’s definitely something that should be checked with turbotax customer service—they usually know everything about taxes and can provide detailed guidance on specific rules and deductions. I always prefer to double-check with professionals before making any decisions, just to avoid any surprises later on.