Just faced a similar situation. A client suggested cash payments to dodge any records.
I made it clear that’s not how I operate. The potential legal mess is a huge red flag, not to mention the ethical concerns that come with it.
I avoid cash jobs they just make everything more complicated
Good call walking away. I’ve learned to spot these requests early and shut them down fast.
Under the table work always creates problems:
- Tax nightmare: You owe taxes on that income whether it’s reported or not.
- No contract protection: Client disappears without paying and you can’t do anything.
- Insurance won’t cover unreported work.
I tell clients I keep proper records for everyone’s protection. Most get it once I explain it protects them too. The ones who keep pushing? You don’t want those clients anyway.
Same thing happened to me last year. Client wanted to pay cash for a bigger project to “keep costs down for both of us.”
I told them my accountant handles everything and it all needs documentation. Protects my business license and keeps the IRS happy.
What really got through was pointing out that banks flag large cash deposits anyway. Even if I wanted to do it, depositing that much cash creates a paper trail and raises red flags.
Client paid normally after that and we worked great together. Sometimes they just need to understand why you do things right.
Had a client push for cash payments on a job. I told them that my business follows the rules. No paper trail means no warranty. If something goes wrong, they have zero legal recourse. Most people change their tune once they realize they’re giving up all protection.
Never worth it. When clients ask for cash deals, I tell them my books need to stay clean.
Smart move turning that down. I always tell clients that proper invoicing protects both of us.
When someone wants under the table payments, I explain they’ll have proof of payment if there’s ever a dispute. Plus they get proper receipts for their records.
Most clients get it once you frame it as protecting them too.