The phrase describes informal employment opportunities, often discussed on the social media platform Reddit, where compensation is rendered in cash and not reported to tax authorities. These positions bypass traditional payroll systems, omitting deductions for income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. A typical example would be a Redditor inquiring about or offering cash-paid services such as landscaping, cleaning, or freelance work within a specific geographical location or online community.
The draw of such arrangements lies in the immediate availability of funds and the absence of tax obligations for both the worker and the employer, at least in the short term. Historically, this type of employment has been prevalent in sectors characterized by transient labor or small businesses seeking to minimize operational costs. However, engaging in or facilitating such employment carries inherent risks, including legal repercussions related to tax evasion and the lack of worker protections offered by formal employment arrangements.
