Work whilst waiting for permit

[devilriderman 2]

What is classed as work, when it comes to waiting for the permit to come through.

Alright, a 'job', I would say is totally out of the question. But what about doing something for exchange, i.e. you sweep a friends driveway, and they give you a meal. Or my wife would be out working and I would vacuum the house and water the plants etc.

Where is the line drawn?

Thanks in advance! :-)

[RR136 5]

I would call anything that requires them to give you a W-2 form at end of year-"Legal Work"

[aaron2020 11,651]

What is classed as work, when it comes to waiting for the permit to come through.

Alright, a 'job', I would say is totally out of the question. But what about doing something for exchange, i.e. you sweep a friends driveway, and they give you a meal. Or my wife would be out working and I would vacuum the house and water the plants etc.

Where is the line drawn?

Thanks in advance! :-)

It doesn't matter if its money or goods or services that you would receive.

If your "friends" would pay to get it done, then it is illegal work.

Anything that gets you a benefit is illegal work.

Don't do it.

I would call anything that requires them to give you a W-2 form at end of year-"Legal Work"

Wrong.

By your definition, an illegal job for cash would be okay since no W-2 would be issued.

Edited March 2, 2013 by aaron2020

[Enigma11561 336]

The true definition of work is anything that requires physical exertion. Doing dishes or cleaning your room could be considered "work". However I seriously doubt that washing your car would create problems with the government. For the purpose of "working" before you get your EAD, I would think money exchanging hands should be considered a no-no. Having said that if you went and shoveled the snow off the walk of a little old lady next door and she gave you $10, ( as a gift )I would not worry about it.

[devilriderman 2]

So when I'm at home and I do the washing and cleaning, the wife comes home and cooks me a meal, is that illegal?

[UK-USA-K1 128]

So when I'm at home and I do the washing and cleaning, the wife comes home and cooks me a meal, is that illegal?

No, that excuse won't fly with the wife, you're going to have to still do your chores, but you can't go to another person's house and clean that for trade or for money. That would be work.

[aaron2020 11,651]

The true definition of work is anything that requires physical exertion. Doing dishes or cleaning your room could be considered "work". However I seriously doubt that washing your car would create problems with the government. For the purpose of "working" before you get your EAD, I would think money exchanging hands should be considered a no-no. Having said that if you went and shoveled the snow off the walk of a little old lady next door and she gave you $10, ( as a gift )I would not worry about it.

How exactly is it a "gift" when $10 is exchanged for shoveling snow? It doesn't matter what you call it. To the rest of us, it sure looks like she paid $10 for someone to work to clear her driveway.

[aaron2020 11,651]

So when I'm at home and I do the washing and cleaning, the wife comes home and cooks me a meal, is that illegal?

No. That's not illegal work. That's part of your responsibilities at home.

Does a husband normally pay his wife to cook and clean? No.

[Enigma11561 336]

How exactly is it a "gift" when $10 is exchanged for shoveling snow? It doesn't matter what you call it. To the rest of us, it sure looks like she paid $10 for someone to work to clear her driveway.

Aaron really. We can go back and forth on this all day. But...Do you think the government is going to give this person a hard time for something as insignificant as this? The OP just wants to make sure he does not do anything to screw up his process. I am not suggesting anything "illegal" such as working as a waiter for cash tips or something like that.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Aaron really. We can go back and forth on this all day. But...Do you think the government is going to give this person a hard time for something as insignificant as this? The OP just wants to make sure he does not do anything to screw up his process. I am not suggesting anything "illegal" such as working as a waiter for cash tips or something like that.

I'm basing my answers from years of experience as a tax professional.

Your answers are based on what you consider "insignificant" and what the government can find out.

Isn't it better to give the actual law and let the OP decide for himself?

Isn't it better to give the OP an answer based on the givernment's opinion rather than on yours or mine?

[Enigma11561 336]

Ok. You win. You have given good advise here. No need to argue over $10.