The Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA) took effect on April 9, 2011. The law requires employers to give written notice of wage rates to each new hire.In general, if you have worked more than 40 hours in a pay week, and are not "exempt", you must be paid an overtime rate for all hours over 40. This pamphlet is intended to provide Employers and Employees with general information about their employment rights and responsibilities in New York State. If you are working at a job that is subject to prevailing wage rules, they do not have to pay you unless they ask you to wait. No that is not legal. They have to pay you for time worked. This is illegal, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, assuming you are not an "exempt" employee, which is primarily a salaried employee. Generally, you do not have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors. You didn't say how much you're contracted for and how much you're working.