Are donations for "free" software taxable?
March 8, 2004
Subject: Tax implications for amounts paid to open source developers
From: Mital
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2004
Hi,
These days open source is getting popular and more hard core developers have started writing free software to make the world a better place. Some people are making donations to these developers that are basically micro payments made sometimes either through check or online via credit card.
My question is: Are these amounts that the developer received taxable? Also, would the answer change if the developer was not doing this for his living but just something on the side in his spare time? Please advise.
Thanks for your help.
Answer
Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2004
Hello Mital,
Yes, the "donations" are taxable, even when received for part-time activity.
Good luck!
Mike Gray
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