Is it illegal to hire temporary under-the-table workers in California?

Question

A restaurant hired me as a temporary 3-day employee. When I was done with this assignment, I was surprised that they wanted me to file a w9 form to be paid. I was expecting to be paid under-the-table since it was understood that I was not going to be a permanent employee.

Answer 1

Yes. It is illegal all over the place whether you are a temp or not.

Answer 2

Sounds like they are playing by the rules, which will keep you out of trouble as well.

Answer 3

Yes it is for the very same tax reasons. The IRS doesn't want millions of unpaid taxes lost to temporary workers.

Answer 4

Yes-BUT there is hope!

Tell them to talk to their CPA.

I am not up on the current laws, but years ago I used to use a lot of temp workers. People who would work for only 2-4 days at Christmas etc. Back then the employer did not have to file tax reports on employees that earned under $600  in the tax year. I hired people with both of us understanding that I would not be filling paperwork on them with the IRS. I would save us both money.

Answer 5

It's called under-the-table. If things are legal, we don't do them under-the-table. By the way, on-the-sly = illegal ; off-the-books = illegal ; on-the-low = illegal ; fell-off-a-truck = stolen

Answer 6

'Under the table' is illegal everywhere.  By definition, it means hiring someone illegally.  The company can be charged, fined, and the owners/managers even jailed for that type of activity.