Wow, that was a thorough and thoughtful answer!
My daughter works during the year in the employ of College#1 as an academic tutor. They sent her a W2 with College#1's own name and address on it. They withheld no taxes.
She spent the summer working at College#2 as part of a government program called Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU - https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/). College#2 sent her a check at the end of the summer for $6500 and withheld no taxes. The 1099-MISC form is from College#2 and not some other agency or company.
Over the summer she learned how to work with special electron microscopes and lighting equipment and software to support the research the lab was performing.
So I think its safe to call this more of an educational opportunity than skills-for-hire.
Thanks for your careful consideration!
