I am 16 just worked all summer for my 8.75$/hour job cutting grass for a small business. I am being egnored for almost 4 months now on my last pay check for over 1,000$ i was being paid under the table unawair what do i do? what can i do ?
2007-01-11 09:38:24 · 7 answers · asked by yoyo_chizl 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You can do nothing. Working 'under the table' is illegal...tax evasion on both sides. Let this be a lesson for you in future employment.
2007-01-11 09:44:01 · answer #1 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only get paid under the table if you don't report your earnings to the IRS....technically you can still file tax return, so you're not in trouble. He would be in trouble if you filed taxes and reported him as your employer....so I guess what I'm saying is you're not in the wrong yet.
Let your employer know, in a calm professional tone, that you would like to get paid the remaining $1,000 and that if he can't pay you then you'll have no choice but to file tax return and go to the Chamber of Commerce and/or labor board.
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Maybe he "can't" pay you because he doesn't have $1,000. If this is the case, then maybe you two could work out where he pays you in monthly payments until it's paid off. My son went through the same thing. His employer (which technically was a county recreation facility) didn't pay him for his last 3 months of working. We never got paid and now we don't live in that state anymore. It was heart-breaking for my son who should be about $600 richer.
Do let this be a lesson to you though. Being paid under the table might seem nice because you don't have taxes and SS taken out, but it is in your best interest to do things the right way.
Good luck and remember to keep a calm and professional manner with the man.
2007-01-12 07:18:32 · answer #2 · answered by THP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could sue him if you want, but a better way may be to ask him for the money, and say you would hate for the tax authorities to find out about his payment practice.
By the way, it is not your fault for being paid under the table. It is the employers duty to make tax remittances. just make sure to claim the income on your tax return. You probably won't owe much or any tax anyway.
If he refuses to pay, there are probably authorities you can go to. In Canada there are employment standards offices. There may be something similar in the States.
Definitely get the money! Ask him. Complain to tax and other authorities. And even sue him if you have to. Small Claims Court is designed for people to be able to represent themselves. Sue him, and you will probably get your money and a great learning experience.
2007-01-11 17:54:45 · answer #3 · answered by Peter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your state's Department of Labor. File a case against the business.
Don't worry about being paid cash. You are in independent contractor. Just say you were expecting a Form 1099 at the end of the year to allow you to file your taxes.
2007-01-11 18:25:06 · answer #4 · answered by Yak Rider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not much if you are under the table. If you come out about it to the labor board you can be accused of accepting such payment to get out of paying taxes.
2007-01-11 17:51:23 · answer #5 · answered by Amber 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them you will report them for paying you under the table, tell them you assumed they were deducting your taxes. give um hell. then ask questions to the labor board, once i didnt get paid, i told the labor board, took about a month and a half, but i got my pay check, they should comply
2007-01-11 17:48:24 · answer #6 · answered by ktlove 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
kt is right. It may take a while, but you can fight it. You might just give them a run for their money, or scare them into paying you. Don't just let it go!
2007-01-11 17:51:03 · answer #7 · answered by xcelix 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋