Freelancers Union - Really!

If you have been to NYC lately you've likely seen their posters as you ride the subway. The Freelancers Union is a national membership organization that's free to join. They offer products like insurance and retirement to their members and provide political advocacy for all independent workers. If you work in the film/video/television chances are you are a freelancer and either don't have insurance or provide for your own. If that sounds like you, here's a group you need to know about and should join. And since it's November and that means it's open enrollment month for health insurance now is the time to join this group and sign up for their affordable health, dental and disability insurance plans. You can also start a 401K plan for retirement here. And they offer a lot more such as discounts, events, workshops, etc. It's about time a group like this came along!

NYC MCTMT Tax was due Nov 2 - If you freelance in NYC you need to know the scoop

New Tax WAS Due November 2

If you are self-employed and work in the New York City area,
you have likely received notification about the new
Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MCTMT),
which is due on November 2.

This tax affects the self-employed and certain employers
doing business in New York City’s five boroughs as well as
those in the following surrounding counties: Dutchess, Nassau,
Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester.

Self-employed individuals earning more than $10,000 who
work in any of these areas must pay 0.34% of their net
earnings. More details are available on the New York State 
Department of Taxation and Finance website. (And here’s
another guide, offered by the Society of Publication Designers.)

Many members have contacted us with their concerns about
this tax since we first mentioned it in July. It is clearly an
administrative burden, as the payment schedule does not
coincide with regular quarterly tax payments. We are
currently researching the economic implications of this tax.