Do I have to pay tax?

They have: 5 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

I am an International student in America. I want to make a website that has PHP tutorials. I will put Google Ads and link for people to donate money to me. Am I allowed to do this considering that I am on F-1 visa and will I have to pay tax?

They have: 16 posts

Joined: May 2007

Think you still have to declare this as taxable income (or at least, you should do). You declare it, leave it up to them as to whether they tax you or not.

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James's picture

He has: 127 posts

Joined: Dec 2005

I would ask a local attorney just to make sure, in US law varies state to state doesn't it?

They have: 30 posts

Joined: Jan 2008

Tax laws do vary by state, but federal reporting is all the same. If you are on a student visa, then doing business in the US is not allowed. You might be able to have everything set up in your home country and work on it in the US without having to claim taxes, but this is still shady. Running a website can be done without registering a business, but you claim this on your tax return as self-employment income. To file taxes you would need a Social Security number. Foreigners can get a Social Security number, but they might look into your visa status when filing.

Call a lawyer or ask someone in your school who teaches business law classes. That might save you some time and money.

Good Luck

demonhale's picture

He has: 3,278 posts

Joined: May 2005

I registered my biz in the US, I work on different locations outside the US, I still pay my US Taxes. Get some Legal Advise...

They have: 1 posts

Joined: Feb 2008

Pay uncle sam his share, it's the american way.

They have: 99 posts

Joined: Feb 2008

I live in the UK and for all we do get taxed I think students are still allowed to earn upto the tax threshold of 5000GPB without paying tax. I still think this should be declared though.

They have: 2 posts

Joined: Feb 2008

The problem is less Uncle Sam and More Google. Check with them first what they require of you. It's no use setting up tax records with the government and have Google tell you they don't like your current status.

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