Getting Paid “Under the Table”

There are very few things that can’t be fixed or explained.

But it’s a lot more difficult if the person who creates the problem doesn’t tell the person who can help fix it.

Getting paid “under the table” is an example.

There’s nothing wrong with getting paid in cash. (In most situations it’s a problem for the employer, not the employee.)

But, those payments have to be reported. That’s true even if you don’t have the money to pay your taxes.

Getting paid under the table is a fixable situation can become disastrous if false returns are filed. Not only is the data not available to prove either lost income or earning capacity in a personal injury case, the fact that false returns were filed will be used to show the jury that you’re a tax cheat and a dishonest person.

If false returns are filed we’re going to have to fight like hell to keep that fact out of evidence and can completely forget about proving lost income or earning capacity.

If you were paid under the table you need to include that income in a tax return. If you haven’t filed for the year or years at issue, great. Now’s the time to do it. There’s nothing that needs to be corrected.

If you filed but didn’t report the income, then you need to have someone help you prepare amended returns, report the income and get out in front of the issue.