Underground cash economy thrives in Sacramento

[The Straight Story]

Underground cash economy thrives in Sacramento


He plies his trade at Arden and Howe, one of the city's busiest corners. An advertising sign holder for hire, Trandell McCauley makes his money a couple hours a day or a week at a time.

And he earns it in cash.

McCauley calls his job a "backbone," the $10 an hour he earns keeping him standing in tough times.

He is part of the bustling underground economy, where folks are paid in cash and taxes aren't paid at all. State agencies don't keep precise, up-to-date statistics, but experts say the deep recession has made such shadow work a growth industry here.

Some of these people can't find other jobs; some choose to avoid paying taxes; some are undocumented immigrants who fear deportation. Others have employers who insist on hiring them under the table. Still others earn income through illegal activity.

....

In 2004, state lawmakers created the Economic and Employment Enforcement Coalition, a team of federal and state investigators, to focus on habitually offending industries, including agriculture, construction, janitorial services and restaurants.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14863621

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. IRS wont' like this. Bartering economy also - taxes are supposed to be paid

just like income.

[pennylane100]

2. I am glad those signholders get at least ten bucks per hour.

they deserve much more, it looks like hard work.