<prompt> Human: I have recently been offered a job helping a very small business part time. The owner mentioned that I would be paid in cash, although I doubt he meant anything other than a weekly check. Annual income from all sources will be significantly under 20k.I understand that he gets to save money this way by not paying the employer portion of payroll tax. As great as that is for him, Ill end up with zero withheld from my pay for the duration of the year and owe a significant amount of tax. I dont mind paying the correct income tax, but on my budget it may be a little painful to make a big IRS payment at year-end. If I am being paid as a contractor for hourly workservices rendered, is there any legitimate way to not be charged self employment tax? I may ask to be put on payroll instead, but theres no guarantee.  <response>: In cash generally means not reported. 