I am a phd international student in Houston Texas. I am a citizen of Tunisia.
I joined the program in fall 2005 and I am on campus employee. I am starting my second year now.
I am filling W2 form for tax. I have an opportunity to gain extra income as self employed or independent contractor from an online job. They are saying they will send me my check by mail and that I need to fill out at the end of the year a 1099 misc form for tax.
My question is : Do I have the legal wright to take this "job" (independent contractor) or shall it be a violation of my F1 visa status. Does filling the 1099 form with my W2 will cause any problem? if not how much should I pay for taxes..?
Looking forward to your response. If any information is missing please let me know.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Regards

knr

As an Independent Contractor, you do not need to wait for your year end 1099 to pay tax. You can pay quarterly tax as you earn. This could keep IRS happy.

Visa Taxes Expert

Hello

F1 students are encouraged to perform only on-campus related jobs, or jobs outside campus during their OPT.

It is not encouraged to work as an independent contractor.

But if you have 1099 income and W-2 income, as you are considered a Non Resident Alien, file Tax Forms 1040NR EZ , Form 8843 and Schedule C to be in compliance with the IRS.

Hope this helps!

AtlantaTaxExpert

Subsab:

Working as an independent contractor is a violation of your F-1 visa. However, NOT reporting the 1099 income is even worse, because the IRS IS EXPECTING that you file a Schedule C to claim that income.

As to how bad a violation it is, I cannot comment as I am NOT an immigration attorney. I suspect it is not a very bad violation, however. Recommend you post this questionon the LAW forum under Immigration Law.

To file a Schedule C, you must file Form 1040NR; Schedule C cannot be filed with Form 1040NR-EZ.

Visa Taxes Expert

Agreed!