[the_watcher]

Two companies have offered me Amazon gift cards, one of them told me that it’s far easier for tax purposes (my understanding is that this is why user research often offers them, rather than cash). I assume they could give prepaid debit cards too, for people who prefer not to shop at Amazon.

[ghaff]

I don't know what the law is. Years ago, but I've been paid for doing a focus group in cash. So there's presumably some threshold where you can just have essentially a petty cash business expense.

Obviously meals and so forth as well. (And, assuming the law hasn't changed, US government employees have to pay for even a modest meal at a company's executive briefing center.)

OTOH, I've had 1099s for even very modest side-consulting revenue.

[giaour]

> So there's presumably some threshold where you can just have essentially a petty cash business expense.

$600

[ghaff]

How surprisingly sensible. :-)

[grepfru_it]

Except now the IRS will be watching bank accounts for any transaction totaling over $600 to combat this loophole. Good luck!

[ghaff]

They don't need to watch bank accounts. Companies are supposed to issue 1099s for payments over $600.

[grepfru_it]

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/irs-bank-account-update-cha...

[arjvik]

Documented anywhere?

[giaour]

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-misc