Faculty Out-of-State Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Many faculty members have been given permission to work remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while most of us are in Connecticut, some faculty members may be working out-of-state some or part of the time.  Working out-of-state can trigger a range of tax and compliance implications for an employee and an employer. The university asks that you notify your department’s business office or operations manager if you are teaching or working at least one day per week out of state, and they can assist you with completing a working out-of-state form and updating your work location in Workday.  

If you are working in one of the 33 states on the university’s list of States Approved for Work in Fall 2020 you may continue working there in accordance with the approval you have received.  

If you are working in a state not on the approved list, or in another country, your department’s business office or operations manager may reach out to discuss how to address any concerns with your work location.  If any issues cannot be satisfactorily resolved, these discussions may include plans for your transition back to Connecticut or an approved location.

Personal Tax Implications and Other Issues to Consider 

Faculty members working all or part of the time outside of Connecticut should consult a personal tax advisor regarding U.S. and/or foreign income tax filing and payment obligations resulting from your work location.   If you fail to meet the local requirements, you may have to pay additional tax, penalties and interest. 

Faculty members working outside Connecticut also should consider potential health benefit coverage issues and possible travel restrictions or requirements when returning to Connecticut.

Returning to Work in Connecticut

Once you return to work in Connecticut, you again should inform your department’s business office or operations manager so they can update your work location in Workday.

If you have any questions, please contact your department’s business office or operations manager.

Sincerely,

Scott Strobel
Provost
Henry Ford II Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry