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-   -   Participating in contests for H-4 visa (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=372953)

  • Jul 7, 2009, 11:45 AM
    an08
    Participating in contests for H-4 visa
    I'm on H-4 visa and I partcipated in an online contest for instant prize but I won the first prize worth $3000.The Sponsor will send me the Tax form before the prize.my question is.. Is it legal to participate and win on H-4 visa?
  • Jul 7, 2009, 01:11 PM
    AtlantaTaxExpert
    Yes, it IS legal to claim the prize. Winning raffles or sweepstakes, trading stocks and bonds, getting paid a referral fee from your apartment compex are all activities permitted under your visa.

    The only real restriction is that you cannot start a business nor can you work for someone else for pay.

    Report the prize money on Line #21 of Form 1040 as "Sweepstakes winnings" and pay the appropriate taxes, and you should be fine.
  • Jul 7, 2009, 01:22 PM
    an08
    Thanks a lot for a valuable reply!
  • Jul 8, 2009, 08:22 AM
    AtlantaTaxExpert
    Glad to help!

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