[echecab]

I was getting a pay check on the books since the beginning. After a month they starting paying me off the books is that legal. Also they started paying me on the books after a month and a half. My boss said I assure you that your taxes will come on your W-2 form but my of the book checks came exactly how much I get paid an hour by 40. Is this legal?

[Emland]

Are your deductions listed on your check stub? It is not legal to work "off the books."

If you are working as a subcontractor, then you are responsible for your own taxes. What kind of tax paperwork have you filled out?

[echecab]

I filed a W2 but the off the books has no deductions

[Emland]

You could report them. I would expect you would get fired, but if they are playing fast and loose with the taxes you are better off somewhere else, anyway.

[echecab]

Thanks you really helped me but the thing is I mentioned it and I was terminated and they don't want to give me my unenployment. They weren't paying prevailing wages or anything.

[Emland]

If you were terminated for anything besides just cause and worked more than 30 days on the books, then you are entitled to unemployment benefits. Register with your state agency.

[echecab]

Thanks you sir John Pentland Mahaffy

[s_cianci]

Depending on the amount of your earnings, your employer may or may not be required to withhold federal income tax. The laws vary state by state as to withholding of state income tax. However, it is my understanding that withholding of social security, medicare, unemployment insurance and disability insurance are required by law in all cases. So, at the very least, your employer should be withholding these items from your pay and is therefore breaking the law if (s)he is not doing so.

[kayakinggirl]

Contact the IRS. They have forms and offer assistance if you feel that you are being cheated by your employer when it comes to taxes-800-829-1040.