How to Become a Digital Nomad in the USA
The pandemic has affected many aspects of our lives, including the way we work. About 35.2% of employees worked remotely in May , up from 8.2% in April, which could be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. But one positive aspect of telecommuting is the ability to work from somewhere else.
While traveling abroad is suspended , remote workers may be able to work virtually from anywhere in the country – or even trade at a permanent address to become digital nomads. While a possible change of scenery may seem inviting, there are a few things to consider before packing your bags.
Check with your employer
Before getting lost in short-term rental lists, talk to your employer about your plans. If you are still a full-time W-2 employee, make sure the company (and your boss!) Has no problem organizing your travel. While this may not affect the quality of your work, there are other reasons it could be an issue, such as taxes. According to a CNBC report, out-of-state employment can ensure your company is present there, which could trigger a state payroll tax filing or corporate income tax requirement.
Consider your income taxes
There may be personal tax implications depending on where you set up your laptop. Some states may immediately want to collect income tax from you through state withholding, which will require you to file a non-resident tax return. But that depends on where you work and if you are above the state’s minimum income threshold. You may even have to pay taxes in two states. Some places have a reciprocity agreement that allows you to work in both places, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so be sure to do your research.
Choose a new location
Once your employer signs your plan, you can start the fun part – choosing a new city. While there are countless lists of the best major cities to work remotely, you can consider smaller cities as well. Hire a Helper’s new report presents the top outlying cities for cost, amenities, Wi-Fi access, and outdoor conditions such as air quality and green space. The main site, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Find a place to stay
Before you start, make a list of what you need for your new temporary residence. Things like high-speed internet and furniture may be needed, while living alone, close to laundry facilities and good public transport can be just nice things. You can search for short term rentals on sites like Airbnb, Craigslist, Truilia, Apartments.com, VRBO, and Sublet.com. (During a pandemic, you should probably stop surfing on the couch.)
Decide what to do with your belongings
Whether you are subletting or relocating, you will need storage space during your absence. If you don’t have access to a friend’s or family’s basement, you may want to consider a short-term option, such as storage space.
“Movable storage containers are convenient because you don’t have to drive a huge moving truck and you can rent them on a monthly basis,” says Mike Glantz, co-founder of HireAHelper and president of relocation at Porch.com .
Glantz says you might need 50 square feet for a studio, or up to 150 square feet for a 3-bedroom apartment. Here’s a good spreadsheet to help you estimate how much storage space you might need.
Be flexible
One of the main lessons of 2020 is that things can change suddenly. Some travel plans can get frustrated, especially if you’re transforming yourself into a digital nomad and moving around a lot. But if you’re willing to be flexible, you can save on an awesome last-minute ad, or discover a new location you wouldn’t otherwise be exploring.