Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions I have been asked about working from home. If you have a question that you don't see listed, please Email Me!

1. Can you really make money working from home?
Absolutely! There are a ton of legitimate companies on the web who are looking to hire people who work at home. If you think about it, work at home jobs can provide benefits to both you and the company.

2. Why are these companies asking for my Social Security Number?
The IRS requires that all companies submit tax info, which includes their employees information. Be very careful when giving this information out, and thoroughly research any company asking for this. When I started applying for work at home jobs, I was extremely uncomfortable about giving out my SSN, so I decided to instead apply for an EIN (Employee Identification Number.) That way, when a company asks for my SSN I can instead give them the EIN.
For more information on EIN's as well as how to apply to get one, click here.
Note: Still be careful when giving your EIN. Even though it can be more safe that giving out your SSN, it still is sensitive information.


3. Am I going to have to pay taxes on my work at home income?
Usually, you will not have to pay any taxes on your work at home income unless you make more than $600 during a year. If you do make more than $600, then the work at home company will send you a 1099 form.
Note: You probably won't be asked to fill out a 1099 or give your SSN/EIN to a survey company, because they expect that you won't be making more than $600 a year. You will likely receive this form with call order processing/customer service jobs, as many people make a lot more than $600/year at those jobs.


4. What is a 1099 form?
A 1099 form is a form given to independent contractors who make more than $600 in a given year.
For more information on 1099 forms click here.
If you still have questions about it, you will probably have to talk with an accountant.


5. What is an independent contractor, and what does it have to do with me?
An independent contractor, or freelancer, is a person who is paid on a pay-per-job basis, and is not salaried. 99% of work at home companies will hire you as this. Basically, this means that a company can fire you without warning, is not required to give you any benefits, and does not have to pay you on a salary. Don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds.


6. A company is asking for me to pay to work at their job. Should I?
No! Companies are supposed to be paying you to work for them, not the other way around. These are almost always scams.
Note: Many legitimate companies, including Liveops, ACD Direct, and others likely will require you to pay around $30 dollars for a background check. This is normal, as you will be handling sensitive information, such as customers credit card numbers, and they want to make sure that you don't have a bad record.