What should the response be to someone wanting to be paid in cash for a service? [View all]

[phylny]

I have a woman who owns a housecleaning company who has just begun cleaning our house once a month. She did a great job last time, and when it was time to pay her, I asked her how to write out the check (to Jane's Housecleaning Service, or Jane Smith, etc.) and she said, "You can write it to cash, or better, give me cash the next time."

I was a little shocked, because her company name is on her truck, and I know she's bonded and licensed. I wrote the check out to cash.

I guess the reason I wonder about it is that she's probably paying herself and her employees in cash and she's most likely (can't be sure, of course) is not paying taxes on all of her earnings, and her employees most likely aren't paying taxes, either, or into Social Security. I don't want to be the tax police or anything, but the more I think about it, the more it bothers me thinking of people scamming the system, yet gaining the benefits - taxes are our dues for living in and taking part in a civilized society.

What advice, if any, do you have for me? She's really a lovely lady, and as I said, she did a great job. Should I leave cash as she suggested, or write a check?