[xtracto]

Except that someone working remotely will usually have to absorb additiona costs of:

- Internet - Electricity, water and other utilities - Office maintenance (i.e., how much of his home space is being used by the company? including surface, desks, equipment, etc) - Sometimes food

In Mexico all this toghether can get to up to $500 USD a month per person. Can't imagine how much that would be in the USA.

[flamtap]

If you are working from home in Canada (as a self-employed individual), you can claim some of those expenses on your taxes entirely, and a portion of some others.

I can write off my entire phone and internet bills and all office supplies. I can also include a portion of my rent (or mortgage) and utilities proportional to the size of my office and the total square footage of the dwelling. The actual list of claim-able expenses does not end there.

I also burn a hell of a lot less fuel since I have no commute.

[digianarchist]

The reason I am reluctant to go self-employed in Canada is the idea of covering all of my dental fees and pharmacare.

I wouldn't have a second thought of doing this in the UK because that is subsidised/covered.

[flamtap]

Yeah, that definitely has to be factored into the salary. I choose to pay for an individual insurance plan for these things, including disability insurance which should be accounted for as well.

I don't have any dependents, but that would certainly change things as well.

[scarface74]

Most technology people have internet access anyway. I would also assume you would have some place in your house to use as an "office" even if it's just a kitchen table for your laptop or a desk in the corner of your house somewhere.