Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/138965
28 • JULY 2013 • WORLD FENCE NEWS A look at direct purchasing and tax exempt status We Give You Pull Where It Counts! THE FENCEMAN'S FRIEND BY TOM LUBY, PROFIT BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL STRETCHES • LIFTS • ALIGNS • CLAMPS MODEL A–21⁄2 ® FOR: TIGHT CORNERS, SHORT PULLS, GATES ONLY Designed for those "Impossible" jobs $95.90 PulJak® Company LLC P.O. Box 449 • Branford, CT 06405 PHONE: (203) 500-2520 • FAX: (203) 738-1088 E-mail: puljak@comcast.net Visit us on the Web at www.puljakusa.com SUBSCRIBE TO WORLD FENCE NEWS TODAY! For subscription info, visit our web site at www.worldfencenews.com Click on the "Subscribe Now" button at the bottom of the front page. Or contact us at 800-231-0275 Things have changed a lot in so many areas of the construction trade, including the fence industry. I can remember when I started a small construction business in the late seventies in northeastern Pennsylvania. I utilized as many tax relief and government funded programs to my advantage as I possibly could. I recall using a government employee training program called the JTPA, or the Job Training and Placement Agency, which would pay up to half the wages of new hires for training, dependent on some loose requirements. And I saved thousands on wages back then taking advantage of that program when none of my competitors even knew it existed. This was naturally a big competitive advantage. I also remember almost never charging taxes on my residential or commercial work, and when I did, taking advantage of very loose tax exemption requirements whenever possible. Sometimes I am sure I did not charge tax when I probably should have, and maybe the reverse, but from my prospective the laws were not as straightforward and restrictive as they are now. I was also a lot younger, ambitious and, yes, a little more reckless back then. In any case, many things have obviously changed over the past 40 or so years and I would like to speak about a few of those changes; this month about changes in the tax exempt status requirements in the construction and fencing trades and next month about government sponsored programs for training new hires. I am no longer located in northeastern Pennsylvania, although I have never forgotten that remarkable area of America and still have great friends there. I now reside in and have a major client in Florida. There, sales taxes are collected by the state, so I researched the laws of Florida and will quote an article regarding owner purchases and public works contracts in Florida. Remember to keep in mind that while many state laws are similar, they can vary greatly from state to state, so you would be well advised to check with your state department of revenue or your local tax collectors office for clarifications. And you should consult continued on page 30 Isn't It Time to Put the Strength of the Gorilla to Work for Your Business? Fast Installation, Water-Shedding Designand Now ICC Compliant... From its patented interlocking design to its incredible water-shedding technology, nothing beats the durability and strength of a Gorilla Deck® by Homeland Vinyl Products™. Now, both our Gorilla Decks and six railing styles are ICC compliant making them one of the most attractive decking systems in the industry today to sell and install. Call now and add the strength of a Gorilla to your business now featuring ICC compliance (ESR-1657, 2003 IBC and IRC). Gorilla Decks feature: • UV stabilized vinyl • Strong interlocking design • Unique water-shedding surface • Concealed fasteners • Easy and fast installation MEMBER Patent No. 6,324,796 Phone: 205-854-4330 Toll Free: 800-999-6813 Fax: 205-854-3677 www.homelandvinyl.com VINYL FENCE, DECK AND RAILING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION A Division of the American Fence Association