972 – Paying an Employee Under the Table
Martin: I’m confused. I’ve been going over the books and I don’t see several members of the staff listed and accounted for.
Jina: Oh, I have a special arrangement with a few of them. I pay them under the table.
Martin: Are you sure that’s wise? You could get busted for tax evasion.
Jina: No one will be the wiser if I pay a few people off the books. All of the people I hire want a job, and a few of them I pay under the minimum wage. Since they don’t have to report their income, they come out ahead in the end. So what’s the problem?
Martin: I just want to make sure you’re aware of the ramifications. If the government finds out about it, you could be up the creek.
Jina: I’m not worried. Everybody does it.
Martin: If you say so. I’m willing to turn a blind eye, but you’re on your own if you get audited!