Queens Under-the-Table Compensation Lawyers

As described by the New York State Department of Labor, there are strict rules and regulations regarding how and when workers should be paid. Employers that pay workers ‘under-the-table’ are putting their staff at risk. When employment income is not reported, taxes are likely not being paid by one or both parties. As time goes by, an employee may end up in a vulnerable position. If you are paid off the books, you may face significant problems in the long run. Potential problems include:

• Tax Penalties: Under state and federal law, employees are required to report income and pay taxes regardless of whether their employer does so. An employee paid under-the-table is being put at risk of facing additional tax liability by both state and federal authorities.
• No Retirement Benefits: Social Security and Medicare benefits are funded through payroll taxes. If you do not pay into the system (because your wages are paid under-the-table), you could miss out on future benefits. When you reach retirement age, you will not be able to claim Social Security or Medicare if you have not “paid enough” into the system.
• No Injury/Disability Protection: If you acquire a disability that prevents you from working, you will not have access to Social Security Disability benefits. And if you are injured at work, you will not be able to pursue workers’ compensation. If you lose your job, you may not be able to qualify for unemployment benefits.

In short, unreported employment can leave you unprotected. All of the workplace benefits that so many of your fellow workers have sacrificed for—from retirement benefits to unemployment compensation—may be out of reach. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our Queens wage and hour lawyers are here to help.

Even if you have been working for cash for years, we can work with your employer to rectify the situation and legitimize your compensation processes. Under the law, your employer may be required to pay your portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, thus making you eligible for benefits in the future.

You may fear that if you report an employer for paying cash, you will lose your job, but the law protects you from this sort of retaliation. Our lawyers will enforce your rights to the fullest extent of the law. If you have been retaliated against for complaining about being paid under the table, call our New York employment lawyers as soon as possible. We can help.

Wage and hour claims are complicated. If you were or are being paid under the table it is normal to be stressed out and overwhelmed at the prospect of taking legal action. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we have the experience to best protect your rights and interests. While there are many law firms that dabble in employment law, our entire practice is dedicated to representing employees. Among other things, our New York under-the-table compensation attorneys will:

• Conduct a confidential, comprehensive review of your case;
• Advise you or your legal rights and legal options;
• Gather all relevant paperwork, documents, and records; and
• Craft a personalized legal strategy designed to get you the best outcome.

We are committed to providing cost effective representation to employees. In fact, our Queens employment lawyers take on many wage and hour cases on a contingency fee basis. We will help you find a solution that best suits your specific situation.

At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our New York employment attorneys are skilled, solutions-oriented advocates for worker rights. We are always ready to take aggressive action on behalf of our clients. If you have questions about under-the-table wages or unreported employment, our lawyers are ready to help.

Contact our office by calling (347) 464-8694 to set up a confidential, no obligation review of your case. Our Long Island City, Queens, office is conveniently located near many subway stations. We have experience representing employees in New York City, Long Island, and throughout the surrounding region.