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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 8:25:04 AM

I work for my father who owns his own business. I handle all accounting and office work for him. I am paid a salary. What form do I need to use for this?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:16 AM

If your father is not withholding income tax, Social Security or Medicare, then you are considered to be "self-employed" by the IRS.   That means that you pay self employment tax of 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare, as well as any ordinary income tax on your wages.

When an employee receives a W-2, the employer pays half of the Social Security and Medicare and withholds federal and state tax from your pay.  The other half of SS and Medicare--your part--is withheld from your pay, too.  

Is this your first year to work for your father?  How old are you?  There are some special rules for minor children who work for parents.

9 Replies
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:05 AM

Does Dad give you a W-2?

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:06 AM

No

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:08 AM

Does he give you a 1099Misc?

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:09 AM

They type out what they call a 1099....but it’s not actually on a form. I’m just confused on the 1099-misc since it says for self-employment.

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:11 AM

If you are doing the accounting you should know if you are an employee or an independent contractor.  And you should be the one filling out the W2 or 1099Misc.  Sounds like you are an employee and should be sending in the quarterly payroll reports.  Does he pay other employees on W2?

Here is a Turbo Tax FAQ Are you an employee or self employed?
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2584365-am-i-an-employee-or-an-independent-contractor">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2584365-am-i-an-employee-or-an-independent-contractor</a>

Here is an IRS website to help you determine if you should be paying someone as  an employee or independent contractor…
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee">https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee</a>
 

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:12 AM

It’s jut me and my brother. My brother does labor and I do office work. They just give totals and my brother takes his to a tax preparer and they handle it. I’ve just always done my own. I’m 35 so I don’t think I qualify as a minor....unfortunately.???

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:14 AM

Nope--you are not a minor!  So you are getting a 1099Misc.  That 1099Misc is also supposed to be reported by Dad to the IRS so he can use it as a business expense.    That means the IRS has a record of the amounts that were paid to you and your brother.

So you are "self-employed."  What have you been doing for previous years when you filed your tax returns?

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:16 AM

If your father is not withholding income tax, Social Security or Medicare, then you are considered to be "self-employed" by the IRS.   That means that you pay self employment tax of 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare, as well as any ordinary income tax on your wages.

When an employee receives a W-2, the employer pays half of the Social Security and Medicare and withholds federal and state tax from your pay.  The other half of SS and Medicare--your part--is withheld from your pay, too.  

Is this your first year to work for your father?  How old are you?  There are some special rules for minor children who work for parents.

Level 9
Jun 1, 2019 8:25:18 AM

Although your father is trying to treat you as an Independent Contractor (self employed), in reality you are probably classified as an Employee.  Your father should consult with a tax professional about this, as misclassifying employees can lead to large penalties.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-employee-vs-contractor-designation">https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-employee-vs-contractor-designation</a>
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee">https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee</a>