Making money from online ads while on H1?

kkrathi

Registered Users (C)
I maintain a blog on a web site that is different from my full time employment and is related with my hobby. Encouraged by my friends, I wish to put up google ads that generate revenue for me every time someone comes to my web site and clicks on those ads. But I am a h1 visa holder. Is it legal for me to accept money from Google in the above manner? Please note that for me to accept money i have to fill up a W9 and submit to Google. Could someone please enlighten?

thanks
K
 
I am not sure if it is legal or not.

But I did similar things when I was on H1. our company lawyer said at that time it was in the grey area. not sure if it is cleared up nowadays.

anyway you have to do w9 and pay income tax on it. IRS is way unforgiving than INS.
 
No it is not illegal which is why the w9. By placing ads from google, google isnt hiring you and is not your employer who has to sponsor you. I've been running Google ads for a long time now and have had no problems as such. It's like renting out your house or having a paying guest.
 
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