Hi I am currently working for a firm as part of my optional practical training, and work between 20-30 hours a week. I am being paid on the books, and am required to file my own taxes. Which form do I use? When do I file? Also, the company keeps sending me a W-9 Form which states specifically that I as an international student are not to fill it out. How does the company have to add me to their accounting? I am only part time without benefits as of now. Can I exceed 20 hours in a part time position? Please answer soon. Thank you very much. Miriam

Miriam:

It sounds like you are being paid under Form 1099-MISC as an independent contractor. You would file Form 1040NR and Schedule C. No self-employment tax will be due because you are a student under the F-1 visa.

The form has to be filed no later than 15 April 2007, but no earlier than 1 Jan 2007.

You DO have to fill in the W-9 so they can put your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for the Form 1099-MISC. If you do not have one, send a W-7 to the IRS requesting the ITIN. You can download the W-7 from www.irs.gov.