Unpaid Overtime Lawyers in Long Island, NY

NY Employment Attorneys for Under-the-Table Compensation Claims

It is common for New York employers to pay their employees in cash. If you are one of the thousands of New Yorkers who receive payment “under the table,” you may face serious consequences. While paying a worker in cash is permissible, employers that do so must still accurately report income and pay taxes on behalf of the employee. When they fail to do so, they are putting the worker at an unacceptable risk.

At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our top-rated Queens under-the-table compensation attorneys are skilled, results-driven advocates for employees. With decades of collective employment law experience, we handle the full range of wage and hour claims. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced New York under-the-table compensation attorney, please contact us at our Queens or Long Island offices today.

Employees Paid Under-the-Table Lack Protection

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, one or both parties will likely not pay taxes. 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 must report income and pay taxes regardless of whether their employer does so. An employee paid under the table is 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. You could miss out on future benefits if you do not pay into the system (because your wages are paid under-the-table). When you reach retirement age, you cannot 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 cannot 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. 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.

A proactive step in rectifying under-the-table pay situations includes reaching out to advocacy groups or state departments that assist employees facing such challenges. Educating yourself on the legal framework surrounding under-the-table payments can empower you to make informed decisions. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through this often-daunting process, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to secure your rights without fear of retaliation.

Queens, New York Labor Law Attorneys for Unreported Employment

Even if you have worked 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 you will lose your job if you report an employer for paying cash, 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.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Prepare for your appointment with our Queens unpaid wages attorneys by bringing timesheets, pay stubs, calendars, itineraries, or any other document that shows the actual number of hours you worked and the pay you received. We will examine your documentation to determine whether or not you have a valid claim against your employer.

Even if you cannot provide documentation, we may still be able to take action to obtain retroactive overtime pay. Do not think that you do not have a claim just because you do not currently have access to all of the relevant documentation. Bring us all of the information that you have, and our unpaid overtime lawyers will help you get started on getting access to the full and fair wages that you earned.

How Our Long Island Lawyers for Wage & Hour Disputes Can Help

Navigating the web of state and federal wage and hour regulations can be complicated. Too many workers who have been improperly denied overtime pay feel they have no options. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we are committed to getting employees the full and fair wages they rightfully earned. Hard work should be compensated. When you call us, you will speak to a New York employment attorney who can:

• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your unpaid overtime claim;
• Answer your questions and explain your rights under state and federal law;
• Investigate the matter—gathering the documents and records to bring a claim and
• Take aggressive legal action to get you the full financial compensation you deserve.

Our entire legal practice is focused on employment law. We put all of our energy and resources into protecting the rights and interests of employees—not big companies. As we strictly control our total caseload, our Queen's unpaid overtime lawyers are best positioned to provide each client with the focused, personalized attention they deserve.

Why Choose the Employment Discrimination Lawyers at Ricotta & Marks

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 by the prospect of taking legal action. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we have the experience to best protect your rights and interests. While many law firms 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 of 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. Our Queen's 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.