freelance worker query

[CardiffIan 0]

I have a rather complex work query I'm hoping someone would be able to help with.

I know the subject of freelance work has been touched on before - and I know I will not be able to work for a US company until I receive my EAD, but I am wondering if I will be able to continue freelancing for foreign companies? I currently freelance for a Swedish company for instance, but they pay into my UK bank account and I pay income tax in the UK.

If I were to receive payments using my Social Security Number into a US bank account before I receive my EAD, would this still be breaking the work conditions of the visa?

[lisaf 0]

I have a rather complex work query I'm hoping someone would be able to help with.

I know the subject of freelance work has been touched on before - and I know I will not be able to work for a US company until I receive my EAD, but I am wondering if I will be able to continue freelancing for foreign companies? I currently freelance for a Swedish company for instance, but they pay into my UK bank account and I pay income tax in the UK.

If I were to receive payments using my Social Security Number into a US bank account before I receive my EAD, would this still be breaking the work conditions of the visa?

good question! Im also interested in this pertaining to employment created via internet.

Hope you get some information.

[zyggy 9]

With this you are getting into a gray area, but in this case you would probably be considered self-employed and subject to the same rules as an employer, except you're the employer...

Also, how would you rectify receiving foreign source earned income in the UK after you have domiciled yourself in the US... According to the US/UK tax treaty, the UK is not eligible to tax you on the income, only the US is...

Edited February 27, 2007 by zyggy

[Dan J 277]

With this you are getting into a gray area, but in this case you would probably be considered self-employed and subject to the same rules as an employer, except you're the employer...

Also, how would you rectify receiving foreign source earned income in the UK after you have domiciled yourself in the US... According to the US/UK tax treaty, the UK is not eligible to tax you on the income, only the US is...

Thats a good question and I dont think there is a simple answer. I would talk to a tax accountant or lawyer that specialized in employment/taxes.

Generally when you work abroad as a USC, you dont pay taxes unless you make over $85,000 or so per year. But that generally means you are also living abroad. The income level before you get taxed his high because you may have to pay taxes in the country you are working in.

Its possible that you may need an EAD to do any work. Even freelance/contract work or telecommute to a company outside the US. Or that type of arrangement may be exempt for employers based outside of the US. I really dont know.