Virginia Beach portrait and lifestyle photographer specializing in comfortable portraits and candids
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Last week, I received a piece of mail informing me that, beginning in July, the Virginia State sales tax is going up. From 5% to 5.3%.
I’m so split on this sales tax thing.
Did you know that Photographers have a special clause? We are required to charge sales tax on services. Most all other services in Virginia aren’t taxed – only products are taxed. But with photography, it’s different for some reason. So when you hire a wedding photographer, you pay sales tax on the ENTIRE package instead of just the products you buy! I don’t know why – but it seems a little unfair. Who was that guy who thought this was a good idea? I would like to meet him just to ask about the seemingly discriminating clause! “Why sir? Why?”
And if you want a wedding photographer based in Virginia, don’t be surprised when you’re charged sales tax! I have clients ask, “um, sales tax, really?” And all I can do is say, “yes.” And sometimes I send them a copy of the clause just so they know I’m not pulling scratchy, irritating wool RIGHT over their head. It says:
Title 23 VAC 10-210-2050 A. Sales. The tax applies to sales of photographs, portraits, prints, slides from camera film, photostats, blueprints, frames, camera film, etc. The tax does not apply to charges for developing films (including movie films) and coloring or tinting photographs. The tax is applicable to the total charge to the customer for a photograph, slide, etc., including, but not limited to, charges for labor, photocomposition, setting design, photography time, and any other components of the charge, regardless of whether such components are separately stated. The tax also applies to the total charge for aerial photographs, security photographs, audio-visual films, and similar items produced under a contractual agreement which includes design time and similar labor charges.
But you know? All in all, I’m so thankful to be able to own a business. And if this is what it takes, no matter how annoying? It’s ok. I’ll pay it to be able to do what I do. And on that note, enjoy a 1.2 dogwood portrait.
I needed that dogwood portrait today… so. much. pretty!! And I agree, taxes going up is so lame.
Ugh, haven’t seen that yet. Ill ask Jared if we received it. DANG. 🙁
It IS so unfair! Why do I have to charge tax on my services (which, let’s face it, is a HUGE portion of the rate I charge!) – plus, in NOVA it’s going up to 6% – whaaaaaat?! At the end of the day, we gotta follow the law, and if it’s any help, I remind myself that the money was never mine to begin with – I’m just a placeholder between my client and Uncle Sam. Oh, joy.