972 — Paying an Employee Under the Table

The two things you cannot avoid in life are death and taxes. But some people try anyway, as you will learn by listening to this episode.
Slow dialog: 1:20
Explanations: 3:06
Fast dialog: 16:09
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!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse