Q: If I hire an independent contractor for my business, do they have to be legally authorized to work in the United States?
A:
Your question probably needs to be asked to a lawyer or accountant who handles employment tax issues.
The main issue that I see is that you are required to withhold taxes for a standard employee but the employee seeking to work as an independent contractor may be an effort by the employee to circumvent paying taxes as he or she likely does not have valid credentials to work in the US much less be in the US lawfully.
I suggest that you do further research with a tax professional / employment law professional.
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