I know that once Ewen has his EAD, he also has the option to pursue contract work or self-employment. Does he have to follow any special procedures for quarterly reporting because he's an immigrant, or can he just do self-employment the way an American would? (Not that I know a whole heck of a lot about it, but I'm sure the IRS has FAQs about reporting and filing for self-employment income that we can read up on.)

Thanks again all!

Nope.. he have to file quarterly estimated payments to the IRS and file a Self-Employment return with his 1040... No different than any other self-employed individual...

What about SS and Medicare taxes?

Yes he will have to pay those.. those are part of the Self Employment Taxes that he has to pay..

It may also depend on if he's incorporated or not - I'm not sure if there's a difference in reporting and being a 1099 employee (which is what a contractor is, as I recall) or being an S-Corporation. My hubby is an S-Corporation, and he has to file quarterly returns.

Hey thanks for that question Pax, was wondering the very same thing re my hubby when we get over there now it appears to have been answered

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10022.html
If You Are Self-Employed

This is what my husband intends to do once he can work in the US.

Ewen might or might not pursue it, too. I'm very concerned that we do everything correctly as far as taxes go (with an eye to natz in the future, as well as other obvious reasons for wanting to do it right). He's done some contract work before and there would be some real advantages to it for him--getting some American references, maintaining some flexibility as we consider relocation and as he might want to spend some extended time back home around the holidays.

Thanks, everyone, for your input.