I've been working at a video store in my hometown for about 10 months now and am not even getting paid minimum wage, despite the required increase for all U.S. employees starting this year. I get paid $5.00 an hour...but taxes are not taken out. Is is illegal getting paid "under the table" and is it wrong for my boss to not boost my pay? All her employees get paid the same. Even this one girl who has worked there for over 20 years. A raise is out of the question...you don't know my boss. It's a waste of my time just THINKING about asking her. What should I do? I've been looking for another job, but a lot of places have been letting people go since Christmas is over!
2007-02-05 14:00:36 · 8 answers · asked by weseemedtheperfectsong 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Yes, it's illegal to get paid "under the table", but the boss is acting like she's doing you a favor by not having any taxes taken out of your pay. The point is, she's also not paying you any healthcare or other benefits either.
If you don't report your wages on your taxes, YOU could get into trouble, but she can get into more trouble for paying you under the table without paying the taxes from her end.
More than likely, it's not the ONLY financial thing she's doing that's illegal. I'd be willing to bet she's cheating the government even more.
If you report her to the IRS with information they can use to prove sviolated any reporting laws, you can actually request a 10% reward for any $$ the IRS recovers from her after an audit.
2007-02-05 14:04:04 · answer #1 · answered by Gary D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is definitely a serious matter that you shouldn't take lying down. If there's no changing your boss' mind then quit. I used to work at Blockbuster Video and after my first year I stopped getting raises. The reason why no one is probably making money at your job is because the company isn't making any money to give you.
Unless you absolutely, positively need the $5.00 an hour to pay off bills and other expenses than you should put in your 2 weeks notice-IMMEDIATELY. It is illegal to get paid less than minimum wage and you can/should take this up with high authorities. Otherwise, a job search is not easy but you'll have to keep looking. It can take months to get a job but if it's truly worth it you'll tough it out.
Best of luck to you!
2007-02-05 14:11:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting paid under the min. wage is illegal. And so is getting payed "under the table". But I don't think getting payed that way is so bad. the government gets enough money already. Too much. If you are interested you can check out the Libertarian partys stance on taxes. The Libertarian Party is working every day to cut your taxes. By contrast, professional politicians from the other parties just want more of your money, and are busy increasing the size of government.
In the last few decades, the federal government has exploded in size. No area of your life or business is free from the meddling of politicians -- especially your wallet.
It doesn't have to be that way. With less government and lower taxes, you could keep more of what you earn. It would be easier to start new businesses, build new homes, and fuel stronger economic growth.
2007-02-05 14:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely all parts of this are illegal, your pay as well as the under the table, keep in mind though your not being taxed on $5 so it works out to very close to the same, if you have a problem contact a lawyer and make sure to mention there are a few of you, typically it would be hard for a lawyer to take this case but since there are multiple employees as well as that long term one, it could be financially beneficial for all of you and the lawyer. You should end up recieving back pay for as long as you've been there.
2007-02-05 14:09:54 · answer #4 · answered by gptrejo3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to get paid under the table and if they are not paying taxes they could go to jail for tax evasion. if you like the job bring that up but then again she might give you a raise but hold a grudge towards you. but if you really dont like her call the IRS.
2007-02-05 14:05:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a phone call to the wage and hour division of the dept of labor will solve all the problems. of course your boss may wind up in jail on tax evasion but you'll get all your back pay and everything else you are entitled to.
2007-02-05 14:06:00 · answer #6 · answered by de bossy one 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states require that they pay at least minimum wage you might want to contact your state labor board.
2007-02-05 14:03:49 · answer #7 · answered by conundrum_dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was wondering the same thing too today
2016-08-20 06:26:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋