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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to be so sick of tradespeople/ cleaners asking for cash in hand?

539 replies

Endlesspasswords · 03/09/2026 06:21

So my cleaner charges £21/hour cash, but just said she wants more if I pay by bank transfer, because bank transfer means she can’t dodge declaring it. As if paying by transfer (i.e. traceably) is some kind of favour/ privilege I should pay extra for.

Same with some work I got a quote for- it’s the attitude that if I don’t want to pay in cash, I’m the one ‘hurting’ their bank balance or being awkward.

I’m freelance B2B myself. No sick pay, no employer pension contributions, no paid holiday, I know exactly what it’s like to carry your own tax and NI. But I still pay tax on every invoice, because that’s the deal.

I’m so sick with the fact that self-employed people in one sector get to treat tax as optional while others pay for their healthcare, schools etc.

and yes, I’m getting a new cleaner.

OP posts:
rwalker · 03/09/2026 06:52

Plinketyplonks · 03/09/2026 06:31

Yes, we uncovered loads of problems with our walls (old house) during decoration and urgently needed a plasterer. Decorator recommended one who might squeeze us in. He came round to quote - £1800 if cash in hand, £2,200 if bank transfer. Why should he get away with not paying tax? 😡

Edited

In the big scheme of things it makes no difference to him he gets £1800 cash or £2200 transfer after tax that’s more or less £1800

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 03/09/2026 06:51

Another benefit with a bank transfer, is that you have a record of the transaction and payment, if there are any issues in the future.

Original poster
Endlesspasswords · 03/09/2026 06:51

Sartre · 03/09/2026 06:49

Let’s not also forget the many men who do it to dodge child maintenance… It’s dodgy, you’re right.

Great point!

OP posts:
Sartre · 03/09/2026 06:49

Let’s not also forget the many men who do it to dodge child maintenance… It’s dodgy, you’re right.

Original poster
Endlesspasswords · 03/09/2026 06:47

Didn’t expect such a unanimous agreement- although the poll shows a few ‘cashiers’ have voted!

I had one guy say ‘do you mind paying it in cash as I’m on the VAT threshold and don’t want to have to register’ which means he had an income of £90k per year for a man and van business.

OP posts:
HenriettaHippopotamus · 03/09/2026 06:42

I agree and try to avoid it. My partner is even more so a believer than me and avoids take away that don’t accept cards which is annoying as there are some nice places we miss out on. He works for HMRC so I guess he’s in the right job.

DollymixtureIcecream · 03/09/2026 06:40

I’d do it but I’d say 20 so I didn’t have to find a £1 each time 😂

RowsOfFlowers · 03/09/2026 06:39

I agree with you. I think they ought to be reported tbh.

Softcream · 03/09/2026 06:32

I agree OP and I refuse to pay in cash.

Plinketyplonks · 03/09/2026 06:31

Yes, we uncovered loads of problems with our walls (old house) during decoration and urgently needed a plasterer. Decorator recommended one who might squeeze us in. He came round to quote - £1800 if cash in hand, £2,200 if bank transfer. Why should he get away with not paying tax? 😡

Loveofeclairs · 03/09/2026 06:30

Totally agree. I was in the same boat and just found another cleaner. I refuse to be part of someone’s tax dodge / benefits fraud.

RampantIvy · 03/09/2026 06:28

All the tradespeople I use always prefer bank transfers.

MoltenLasagne · 03/09/2026 06:26

Nope, I hate it and use it as a barometer for whether I hire someone or not. I don't want to be contributing to the problem.

uhOhOP · 03/09/2026 06:25

This lot is going to say that you are being unreasonable, but I totally agree with you.