[tuxedo_cat]

Hello,

I am an F-1 OPT student who did some freelance work last year. I earned about $4500 from one job, $1200 from another and $1000 from the last. The thing is, I have not received tax paper work from the job that I earned $4500 from. I couldn't get in touch with my employer. I realize now that it was a "casual" job -- she didn't ask for my social security and was paying me in cash and check.

I am concerned about paying my taxes for 2006. I don't want to get into trouble with the IRS. I have been told that if they audit my employers, they may find records of me being paid with a check, and will come after me.
1) How do I deal with the "missing" paperwork?
2) How many schedule C's do I file?

Other details: it is my 5th year here.

Thank you.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

You will still file as a non-resident alien, filing Form 1040NR with Schedule C to report the $4,500 in income.

The fact that there is no paper trail does not relieve you of the requirement to declare this income.

Fortunately for you, no self-employment taxes should be due (due to the fact that your are a F-1 visaholder).

If you need my professional tax help, contact me at [email protected].

[schoobi]

Hello,

I am an F-1 OPT student who did some freelance work last year. I earned about $4500 from one job, $1200 from another and $1000 from the last. The thing is, I have not received tax paper work from the job that I earned $4500 from. I couldn't get in touch with my employer. I realize now that it was a "casual" job -- she didn't ask for my social security and was paying me in cash and check.

I am concerned about paying my taxes for 2006. I don't want to get into trouble with the IRS. I have been told that if they audit my employers, they may find records of me being paid with a check, and will come after me.
1) How do I deal with the "missing" paperwork?
2) How many schedule C's do I file?

Other details: it is my 5th year here.

Thank you.

If the total income you earned in 2006 was less than or equal to $8,450, then you do not have to file income tax. If you did not have a job where income tax was withheld, and your total income is below the limit above, there is no need to file income taxes. If you did work with income tax withheld in addition to the work you were paid cash for, then you will need to file taxes based on total income earned to get a refund of the income tax withheld. You can file one schedule C with all the income earned and paid in cash.
Again, if your total gross income earned in 2006 was below $8,450 you do not have to file a tax return.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

What Schoobi says would true IF you could claim the standard deduction.

For non-resident aliens, only Indian citizens on either F-1 or J-2 visas can claim the $5,150 standard deduction.

If you are not Indian, then filing a return for $4,500 IS required!