Hi,

I'm an international student studying in a US university on F-1 visa. I did some online freelance work to cover up some of my expenses and I recently found out this counts as employment and hence, is illegal. If the freelance agency provides me a 1099 form, will I be in trouble? I didn't earn much as of now (less than $1000, which will account for the next tax year) and I will pay taxes on it. But, does this create a paper trail with USCIS? Does something small as $1000 fall under the threshold where I might be in trouble?

Report it on your taxes. Don't worry about it; probably nothing will happen. They don't talk to USCIS. But try not to do it again.

Report it on your taxes. Don't worry about it; probably nothing will happen. They don't talk to USCIS. But try not to do it again.

Thanks. But, if it is less than the reporting threshold, would their be a paper trail at all? I read somewhere that if the amount is less than $600 (or $400, not sure which) the employer doesn't have to generate a 1099. Is this true?

If it is less than $600, no Form 1099=MISc is REQUIRED, but the employer may generate it anyway.

Like newacct said, report the income. The USCIS will not react to such small earning, but you should discontinue the practice.