We talked about this a little on the old board, but how much of our consumption economy do y'all think gets done under the table where no sales or income taxes are collected. I used to think maybe 10%, but I would guess now it might be 25-33%.
Every damn plumber or hairdresser out here makes $75-100k but reports $23k. Waitresses, small contractors, mechanics, etc. There is a metric shit ton of cash floating/passing around (and not just drug dealers) , and I see more and more people/ small stores/businesses doing business and offering a cash discount so that it just goes in the bottom drawer and home to the safe/lockbox.
The rule out here is to file, but claim very little income. And you better not send Joe a 1099 for his work on your new HVAC. The guy who pays the income taxes is the poor dude making $50-150k and getting a W2. Below that and he is probably qualifying for credits. Above that and his accountant is sheltering it. .