Cash in hand?

[scotscorner]

We have recently got a new cleaner and she has been very clear about cash in hand only (first time we’ve met her). The old ones were very professional; had invoices and clearly trying to run it as a proper business - though same price!

It got me thinking about how I feel about cash in hand. Obviously it doesn’t absolutely mean that someone is failing to declare income but it’s an indicator. Interested in views - does ‘cash in hand’ put you off hiring a tradesperson / self-employed person or do you think it’s none of your business?

YANBU - it would put me off
YABU - it’s none of your business

Something like a cleaner it's fine but if it was a tradesperson who I was paying hundreds of pounds too then I'd want to be sure it was a legit business with liability insurance.

It would put me off a bit because of always having to have the cash in the right amount. Having to get change, etc, when I don't use it much.

Lots of cleaner do cash in hands if they are not coming from an agency. That wouldn‘t put me off.

I would struggle more with remembering to have cash at home. F

Trades people - invoice only

My cleaner only takes cash. Drives me nuts as I'm so forgetful and always have to go get it out specially!

Cash not a problem, but would want to be sure they had the appropriate 3rd party insurance in case of damage.

I'm assuming they don't want a balance transfer but actual cash? where did you find them if they didn't come from a company.

I'd probably pay them I pay my window cleaner in cash and don't give it another thought.

Nothing wrong with it - I'm certain you are not paying loads for the cleaner so visits to cash machines and takig our 250 quid is no big deal

We are old school and like to keep in the region of 1500 quid in cash at home.

it soon goes down and we have to top up

How much do you pay and is it per hour or tasks set and approx where in England do you like - We are thiking of getting someone to do a few ironing bits, hoover the staris and landing carpets as the reast of the house is real wood, and sweep the front drive and garden every couple of weeks. However, its having a stranger in the hose again that worries us

I asked a company, and they said yes but then that they were full and recommended this lady.

to be clear - of course I paid them!

I’m happy to pay cash, what they do with it is between them and their accountant. It’s not for me to police or moralise over

It's not an issue to me - I run my own business and accept cash from my customers. I actually prefer bank transfer as it's easier but if someone prefers to pay me in cash that's fine.

If a business preferred cash that wouldn't bother me but I'm not sure I'd be happy if they insisted on it, just because it's a pain in the arse to remember to get the right amount out all the time.

oh I meant I would have no qualms about cash in hand not that you shouldn't pay them, sorry I didn't mean to cause confusion.

Sorry, my misunderstanding 😂

I don't believe anyone insists on cash only unless they're avoiding paying tax. Bank transfers are instant nowadays.

I really couldn't give a shit whether a woman with a cleaning job pays tax or not.

Look at how our government behaves...

But anyway you have no idea whether she declares it or not

YANBU it would put me right off and be too inconvenient

As a professional cleaner, I was always paid in cash which was waiting for me when I arrived. I had a 'no cash no clean' policy. In my bitter experience, people often agree to pay small businesses for services rendered but then delay payment for those services because they have overspent on other things and think we won't take them to the small claims court. If the cleaner is doing a good job and is reliable, clients should just be happy and pay up. It's none of the client's business what she does with her money, that is her legal responsibility. Frankly, if any of my clients had questioned my honesty in such a way, they would be off my books (and yes, I did keep them and report the income) and would be welcome to try and find somebody more 'professional ' elsewhere.

I think using the term ‘cash in hand’ implies that the earnings will be undeclared for tax purposes. Paying with physical money is fine, just ask for a receipt or invoice. If they say no then look for a new cleaner.

I had a small building job done recently, he fitted a window as well, and I paid by bank transfer. It was only after that I realised I have no receipt, no idea of what guarantee came with the window. I won’t do that again.

I have zero qualms about paying cash, as a PP said whether said person then did declares it or not if none of my business

I pay my cleaner via a pay app (she’s my friend) so she doesn’t pay tax on it. I am a higher rate tax payer but happy for her to avoid a small amount of tax if she can as she doesn’t earn a great deal and is trying to save for a retirement pot, she does a great job and brings lots of treats for my dog, who adores her

I am self employed and take some cash payments... For 3 dc who are always after cash!! Saves me time going to the atm...

I pay my cleaner by bank transfer 24 hours before she comes. Those are the terms I operate for my own business.

cash - fine
no invoice - hell no