What should the response be to someone wanting to be paid in cash for a service?

[phylny]

22. Vulcan mind meld, Ida :)

It's funny - we've put two through college, and our last is a junior so our salaries have gone up a bit, but expenses are declining. I said to my husband, "I'm freaking exhausted. Can we PLEASE have someone clean one time a month PLEASE???" (and yes, he does his fair share inside and out, but I work hard). We are at a place in our lives where we can afford it.

So, to read on this thread that I would begrudge someone making a living (don't know me very well), that the big guys cheat so it's okay, how do I know she's not paying taxes? You know, if I ask for cash, there's a reason for it, most likely because I don't want a paper trail

Ida, you bring up great points, especially about liability and proof of bonding. I'm not looking to get someone to work for "cheap" - I am willing to pay a fair price. The house is "very well kept" (her words, thank you, not mine) and she's cleaning only one floor - two bedrooms (only one is slept in) two bathrooms, kitchen, living room, sunroom, dining room. $100. Probably comes out to $30/hour or so.

Anyway, interesting thoughts on the thread here. I'll find out what if any liability we have, and talk to her if I see her tomorrow.