"I would strongly recommend that you refrain from a Cash Only policy. Requesting payments in cash is highly unprofessional and a bit shady these days. Years ago, housecleaners were not able to maintain bank accounts due to low wages, or they could not afford to have taxes removed from their wages. Today's independent housecleaners can more than afford to maintain a banking account, and as a sole proprietorship, you are responsible for your own taxes. Dealing with cash is tricky; it's too easy to put the cash into your pocket, spend it, and not record it. You need to create a paper trail for each transaction. Insist on personal checks or credit cards. If someone must pay with cash, never allow them to leave cash sitting unattended, such as on a kitchen counter. It's too easy for strangers to come along and help themselves to your money, and you have absolutely no claim or proof that you did or didn't receive the cash....." Excerpted from How to Start a Home-Based Housecleaning Business by Melinda Morse, Laura Jorstad All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.