Employer didn't send tax forms. What do I do?

Question

I am self employed and work as an internet affiliate marketer. One of the companies I get paid by is based in Canada. Last year I made $8k promoting them. I have been told that they won't/can't send me a W-2 form because they aren't based in the US. What do I do? I have the check stubs that they sent me along with there monthly checks. Do I use those to file taxes?

Answer 1

The simplest way is to declare it as cash income. You -can- include the check stubs, but for only 8K of income I don't know that I'd bother including the stubs.

If the company you contracted to has any US offices, you -should- get a 1099 from them. If not, whether they're compliant or not isn't your issue. You MUST declare everything dollar, shilling, yen or ruble you make as income if the money enters THIS country. Foreign assets are another issue entirely; you shouldn't have any if you don't already have a tax lawyer to answer these questions.

Oh yes... and if they do file US 1099's, they do so by Jan 31. If you don't receive one by the end of the last week in February, either (A) contact them and ask or (B) write it up as cash income.

Bottom line: As long as you declare the income in some manner and pay tax on it, the very worst that will happen with the IRS is that they'll ask you to correct your return. If you don't declare, well, then the worst-case is lawyers and jail time.

Answer 2

If you're self-employed, you don't get a W-2 whether the company is US-based or not.

As a self-employed person, you are responsible for keeping accurate records of your income. It sounds like you've done that. Use those numbers to file your tax return.

Answer 3

More than likely, you are considered an "indepentent contractor" rather than an employee. If anything you would receive a 1099-Misc from said employer and in box 7 Nonemployee compensation, would appear the $8,000.00 paid to you. You would report this income on Schedule C or CEZ. Since you do not have to include a copy of your 1099 with your return..... you don't really need to receive it.

Answer 4

Did they withhold any tax from you? if so, you would get credit for foreign tax paid.
If you was self-employed and they did not withhold tax, you would receive a 1099form to show your income. If they will not be sending you that form and you want to include the income on your tax return, just list the amount on a Schedule C or CEZ. That amount will transfer to line 12 of form 1040.
Also you will fill out Schedule SE to pay self-employment tax. (social security) and don't forget to put 1/2 of social security on line 27 of form 1040 for deduction.

Answer 5

Any net earnings over $400 as a self employed individual is taxable and must be reported to the IRS.

The link below can provide additional information.
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch01.html

when all else fails, find your local Tax Practitioner for advice.

Answer 6

Technically, I think that hey have until the first of February. Give it a week or so, and if you don't receive it, call them. If they refuse, tell them that they are breaking the law (federal law) and turn them in if they still refuse.

Answer 7

Scan every check that comes in... and save them on your computer in a file labeled for that year's taxes. It is a safety net for any U.S. income, and a measure of your non-U.S. income.

If you make decent money, hire an accountant who can handle your taxes for you. That way, you can print/e-mail all documentation to him so that he can handle your income taxes for that year... (Suggestion: Start an LLC or incorporate yourself to save money!)

Answer 8

Yes, use those instead. I'd like to do that kind of work too. email me with any info on how to get started with internet marketing.
[e-mail]

Answer 9

Call the IRS and ask them. I know there is an altenative form you can use in lieu of W2's, but not the specifics.

Hope that helps!

Answer 10

I would go ask a tax preparer asap tax day is coming soon.