Paying cash

[nappyrat]

Tradesman asking for payment in cash. Is there any way of getting a receipt / any way of proving I've paid just in case?

They often ask for cash so it doesn't have to go through the books, in which case you won't get a receipt.

He should still give you a receipt - some of our customers pay cash and they get a receipt just like everyone else. If he isn't wanting to give you a receipt that is decidedly dodgy and i would be inclined to pay by cheque. We prefer BACS to cheque but that isn't always possible, thems the breaks.

Thanks bun baker. I just don't know the guy very well, and don't want to get into a situation where I have paid but he says I haven't! Sure it wouldn't happen, but it's not a tiny amount of money, so I want to make sure I'm covered.

Thanks, LEMmingaround - when you say your customers get a receipt if they pay cash, is that still advantageous for you? Don't think he'll want a cheque. He's already sent me an invoice, but said he'll just cancel that if I pay cash...

make him sign for the cash ... he evading tax (illegal)

Sign what, though? am I doing anything wrong by paying him cash? Guess not - he's the one evading tax!?

Write a piece of paper ...
or a copy of his quote ....
"received for building works as agreed £x in cash on 12.02.14"

I'm an accountant. I can be hauled over for paying cash as I cannot pretend I did not know

The advantage of cash over cheque is that you don't have to wait for a cheque to clear and to be very honest we have sometimes been in a situation where waiting for a cheque to clear has made things very tight for us in the past. We DO accept cheques but we much prefer BACs transfer as they are (mostly) instant transfers. Also, with cash or BACs you know the cheque isn't going to bounce - sadly, this happens.

You would still get a receipt no matter what, i wouldn't dream of not giving someone a receipt, also that is evidence for US that the client has paid and is therefore satisfied with the work.

thankyou all, v helpful