Moral Predictement! What should I do?

[Angel7]

For some time I’ve worked at a Restaurant where my dad is working. I’m a Busboy, my dad is a waiter. This issue is that I recently discovered that I’ve been paid “under the table” this whole time. I never realized it because I’m not really knowledgeable about these things, I just assumed everything was fine. Since being paid “under the table” is illegal I’m assuming its also wrong, right? What should I do. I don’t want to evade rightfuly due taxes, which would be wrong. But my Dad would be annoyed at me (I think he may be paid under the table as well).
Also, I feel like I would disapoint my employers, ofcourse I definatly don’t want to do anything wrong, but it only makes it harder. If I quit the job I still have to face my Dad who will be asking ‘why?’. And I’ll have to say that It was because I want to avoid what is wrong. But my Dad will definatl be annoyed at this. My mom says I’m probably the most religious person in my family. I feel like my family is Catholic in name only. So by doing what I think is right in this situation, I’ll have to face their disaproval.

Going against public opinion is hard for me, and I think it is because I was bullied when I was younger (and was very prideful as well). So I’ve always wanted people to think well of me (accept me), and when I was younger I wanted to be the “best” (thankfuly I’m not as proud as I used to be, atleast I’d hope so )

That’s my explanation for why public opinion is hard for me to go against, but maybe there is more to it. Anyway, I still need help on how I should handle this. I’m called to work again this Saturday and I don’t want to be paid illegaly. Asking to be paid Legaly is very awkward however .

While Im here I’d like to mention one other issue. What should I do with the money I’ve already made? Can I still use it?

thank you, and please help!

 

[Allegra]

I’m not a tax lawyer, but I don’t think you are doing anything wrong by keeping the job. You can list your earnings on your tax papers and pay them at the end of the year. Then, you haven’t defrauded anyone.

 

[BigFellaMick]

Well friend I would certainly not suggest breaking the law but to speak from a spiritual standpoint I don’t see what you are doing is sinful. You aren’t “lieing” in the sense because even though you are paid under the table, you are still working. You earn that money in the exact same way others do. While it may be breaking the law of man you are not (in my opinion) breaking the law of God. Countless people get paid under the table. If you mow people’s lawns as a kid for a living and they pay you out of pocket, will that get someone arrested? No. Will it condemn them to hell for eternity? No. lol I think you’re fine my friend.

 

[Jaypeeto4]

If you make $2,400 a year, you are required to file a Federal Income Tax return.
Also, check the Internet: some States and some cities and counties have Income Tax requirements, too.

Make sure you pay your income taxes. The bible commands us to pay our taxes.
And if you owe taxes, and don’t pay them, and the government finds out,
you could be in serious trouble. Just ask the late Al Capone.

God bless you,
Jaypeeto4

 

[StrawberryJam]

If you make $2,400 a year, you are required to file a Federal Income Tax return.
Also, check the Internet: some States and some cities and counties have Income Tax requirements, too.

Make sure you pay your income taxes. The bible commands us to pay our taxes.
And if you owe taxes, and don’t pay them, and the government finds out,
you could be in serious trouble. Just ask the late Al Capone.

God bless you,
Jaypeeto4

What he said.

Love from Chicago

 

[Rence]

I would just look for another job and quit the job in which you’re getting paid under the table. If asked why, I would tell them the truth: you didn’t feel right about being paid under the table. So what if he gets annoyed? He’s setting a poor example for you, and if anything you should be the one annoyed. He’s snookered you into breaking the law. If you get in trouble for this, who is he going to get annoyed with then? And who will you be annoyed with?

If you are making more than $2400.00, then, yes file a tax return. I would make sure you look up what you’re supposed to be paying in taxes, etc., and set it aside so that you don’t owe too much at the end of the year.

This is not a good start for you. I encourage you to please look for another job and get paid correctly…and if you do stay there, file your taxes.

 

[1ke]

The employer must pay the payroll an FICA taxes plus unemployment, worker’s comp and other taxes/insurance. They are defrauding the government. They are also cheating you out of rightful benefits. If you were to be injured on the job, you might be denied worker’s comp, for example, because you are not on the payroll records. And, he may be paying you below minimum wage, so check the labor bureau in your state.

If you report your income you will owe the taxes that the employer did not pay.

I suggest you talk to the employer, and to a tax advisor. You should look for employment where the employer will follow the law

Yes you can use the money you earned. YOU did not do anything illegal. If they
employer doesn’t put you on the payroll and pay the taxes he owes, you can turn him in to the employment commission. If he doesn’t pay those payroll and FICA you may owe it when you file your return.

This might upset your father, yes. So, you can decide if you want to just walk away and find another job or if you want to insist the employer pay you legally and pay the payroll and other taxes he owes for you.

 

[1ke]

If you mow people’s lawns as a kid for a living and they pay you out of pocket, will that get someone arrested? No. Will it condemn them to hell for eternity? No. lol I think you’re fine my friend.

From a tax perspective this is not an example of “paying under the table”. This is an example of self-employment. The person hiring the lawn mowing service is paying an independent contractor/business owner. It is the business owner’s responsibility to report their earnings and pay their taxes as a self-employed individual.

The OP’s situation is not the same as the example of a self-employed individual. The OP is entitled to employer-paid payroll and FICA, wages in compliance with state and federal wage laws including overtime, worker’s comp and unemployment insurance, etc.

 

[Angel7]

So if I don’t make more than $2,400 in a 12 month period (or was it by the end of the year?) I don’t have to worry about taxes? Are there any specific laws concerning taxes if you work in Newark, NJ? Thank you for the help so far!

 

[1ke]

So if I don’t make more than $2,400 in a 12 month period (or was it by the end of the year?) I don’t have to worry about taxes? Are there any specific laws concerning taxes if you work in Newark, NJ? Thank you for the help so far!

You need to talk to a tax advisor, you should NOT rely on information you get from random people on the internet.

You can also call the IRS help desk 1-800 number and ask them. That is what they are there for, to answer tax questions.

You need to file a return in most cases, even if you do not owe any money in taxes.

Again, talk to a tax professional or the IRS help line.

 

[puzzleannie]

For some time I’ve worked at a Restaurant where my dad is working. I’m a Busboy, my dad is a waiter. This issue is that I recently discovered that I’ve been paid “under the table” this whole time. I never realized it because I’m not really knowledgeable about these things, I just assumed everything was fine. Since being paid “under the table” is illegal I’m assuming its also wrong, right?

what is illegal is not paying taxes on what you earn. If your employer does not withhold the taxes and pay them to the federal, state and local government (if they exact income tax where you live) you are obligated to file a return, report your income and pay the tax due. your best bet is to go to a local tax service and get advice that applies to your own specific situation.