How strict are H1B supplemental income restrictions

[gouldingken]

My understanding is that as an H1-B worker, I can receive absolutely no additional income.

However what's less clear is what constitutes "income". For example, I run a website that costs me about $100 per year to maintain. I'd ideally like to pay for these expenses by selling items online using CafePress.com or something similar. However CafePress.com requires that I provide my TIN in order to reimburse me. Does this then qualify as supplemental income (even though I'd still be running the site at a loss)?

Similarly, I have another opportunity where someone wants to pay $250 as a one-time payment for assisting with a certain program. Does this qualify as income?

Thanks,

Ken Goulding.

 

[great guru]

My understanding is that as an H1-B worker, I can receive absolutely no additional income.

However what's less clear is what constitutes "income". For example, I run a website that costs me about $100 per year to maintain. I'd ideally like to pay for these expenses by selling items online using CafePress.com or something similar. However CafePress.com requires that I provide my TIN in order to reimburse me. Does this then qualify as supplemental income (even though I'd still be running the site at a loss)?

Similarly, I have another opportunity where someone wants to pay $250 as a one-time payment for assisting with a certain program. Does this qualify as income?

Both qulaifies as additional income which is not allowed while you are in H1. Allowed incomes are bank interest, share dividend, appreciation and rent from a property.
Thanks,

Ken Goulding.