When a small contractor asks to be paid off the books, it’s tempting to see this as David vs. Goliath — the little guy trying to survive while wealthy corporations seem to have their own rules. But Ask an Ethicist columnist Vera Cherepanova argues that the ethical response isn’t about whether someone deserves a break from the system. It’s about finding ways to help within the boundaries we’ve collectively agreed to honor.
I work in a mid-sized construction company. Recently, a small contractor asked me if we could pay their invoices in cash instead of through our usual system. citing cash-flow pressures and delayed receivables. I suspect it’s also about avoiding taxes. My boss says this is a clear violation and we must refuse. But part of me thinks this is a small, hardworking business just trying to survive, while massive corporations and wealthy individuals exploit loopholes legally every day. Is it really unethical to let the little guy “bend the rules,” especially when the system already feels so unfair? — Name Withheld
Your case is a good illustration of the tension between ethics and compliance. From a compliance perspective, the answer is clear: Companies can’t pay cash off the books. Records must be accurate, taxes reported and procedures followed. That’s non-negotiable.
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