My previous comment was probably a knee jerk.

So I’ll try again. If you had a business in the first place and were never paid as an emPloyee prior to this offer, I’d agree with your approach.

But if you were an emPloyee, taking the steps you suggested falls right into the path of things some do to avoid taxation. I understand that you’d pay these taxes but still suspect it would be looked at closely by the IRS. I dunno if it would trigger an audit.

It may be perfectly legal, but the requirement of secrecy hints otherwise.

Anywho, given the circumstances, I’d pay a couple of hundred dollars to get the opinion of an attorney with training in the area. The local bar association could make a recommendation for some suitable for the task. I would NOT take it to company attorney.

BTW I liked the use or “tsuris.”