Earnings from nonrailroad employment, including self-employment, may affect your annuity computation. Nonrailroad work is any job that is not in the railroad industry. This includes work for a Canadian railroad that is not covered under the Railroad Retirement Act and work as an elected or appointed public official.
We ask for information regarding your nonrailroad work, any government jobs you may have had, and any self-employment to determine whether or not you have a current connection with the railroad industry. Earnings after your annuity beginning date from any nonrailroad employment or self-employment may also cause work deductions.
If you are claiming self-employment, the RRB determines whether or not you are performing "substantial services" as an independent contractor. The payment of self-employment taxes may be evidence of an independent contractor status, but is not conclusive. If you are working for an incorporated business that you own, the RRB does not consider that work self-employment. If you are self-employed as a consultant, the RRB considers how your self-employment compares to the work you did for your former railroad or nonrailroad employer before you applied for your annuity. You should complete and return Form AA-4, "Self-Employment and Substantial Service Questionnaire" to provide the RRB with the necessary information to make that determination.
For more information about self-employment, see Form G-177L, "General Information about Continuing in or Returning to Nonrailroad Employment after Retirement under the Railroad Retirement Act".