Hatrack River Forum: Tax Vengeance--should I or shouldn't I

This is topic Tax Vengeance--should I or shouldn't I in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :

I worked for an entertainment company for almost 12 years. When I left I was far from pleased with the new management. They did nothing truly wrong, but they did nothing truly right. My 10 year anniversary with them was met with a notable shrug of indifference.

I continue to work for them as an entertainer--clown , easter bunny, and santa.

They have not booked me more than 5 times in the entire year, and screwed those up a bit even then.

So I was waiting to get my 1099form from them and waiting and waiting. Finally I called and asked for it...4 times. Eventually I threatened to report them to the IRS if they didn't send me one.

I have a recorded message on my answering machine. It explains that they are going through restructuring so didn't send me one. Besides, I was only paid $1000 by them, so I really don't need one. It is not worth their time to redo all the paperwork neccesary to send me the form.

I do believe that the IRS would have a different opinion on that subject.

So should I report them to the IRS, and spoil not only any future bookings they would send me (0 for Easter this year) but also any good references on future job searches?

Decisions oh great conceince of Hatrack?

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

quote:
So should I report them to the IRS, and spoil not only any future bookings they would send me (0 for Easter this year) but also any good references on future job searches?

The amount is, I believe, $600. I'd be sorely tempted to report them.

If you don't, do you have the exact amount you need to report on your taxes?

Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :

I kept all the check stubs. I am smart that way.

Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :

I believe you can get a substitute 1099 form from IRS to complete on your own to report that income on your return. And I would absolutely be reporting them for not providing the official form. I was told there are huge penalties for not having those in the mail by January 31.

Do you honestly think that they'd give you a good reference anyway?

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

They'd probably never get the reference to you, anyway, and then tell people who called them that you pestered them and made their lives miserable or something. [Roll Eyes]

I'd report them. Not as vengance, but because it's likely that they've done it to other people too, and the IRS ought to know.

Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :

I agree with kq, report away. Any eeeeevil feelings of joy you get for doing so are a bonus.

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

One of the reasons I'm inclined to report them is that companies that don't do their 1099s get a competitive advantage over those that do. It might not be large, but throw in a couple of unreported workers for workers' comp, a few OSHA requirements ignored (the ones that probably are unnecessary to true safety), and those cash payments somehow not making it on the books, and a sevice company can shave 10% off their operating costs. And that 10% is enough to drive honest operators out of business.

Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :

Oh yeah, I'd be reporting them. No doubt about it.

Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :

quote:
So should I report them to the IRS, and spoil not only any future bookings they would send me (0 for Easter this year) but also any good references on future job searches?

erm, what's the upside, exactly?

Posted by HollowEarth (Member # 2586) on :

A good feeling. He's not getting any booking anyway from the sound of it.

Posted by Epictetus (Member # 6235) on :

I'd report them, definitely. From a purely moral standpoint, do you really want to work for a company that doesn't respect the law that much? Sure you may not get a good reference from them, but moral stances look good in an interview.

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

Plus, doesn't the IRS reward informers? [Razz]

Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :

No. I reported an employer once, and I didn't get a reward.

Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :

Its likely that the Company has not reported the income to the IRS, and has pocketed the withholding. Thats why they would like you to forget it. That is criminal, and should be reported.

Posted by CoriSCapnSkip (Member # 9153) on :

Torn here. Normally I'm against turning anyone in to the IRS but they sound sooo like they're asking for it. Not to mention actually breaking the law.

Posted by Katarain (Member # 6659) on :

Who has to pay the portion of your SS and medicare that is typically paid by the employer? I don't think that should change your decision--I'm just curious about whether they have to or not.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Nope, he's an independent contractor -- he pays 'em.

Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :

Reporting would make no difference to me since they didn't deduct anything from my pay. My wife already alerted the IRS about them, so now I have to wait turning in my taxes until I get the right forms filled out.