I hope that is appropriate for this sub.
FYI for folks that work for wages under the table. The short-term gain of not paying taxes can really hurt you if you plan on drawing from social security. Social security looks at your highest earnings over 35 years and uses that to calculate your monthly payment.
Because I didn't declare a lot of my earnings, I'm out about $800/month in social security payments.
If you want to see what you are losing, use this calculator and enter in what you are really earning v what you are declaring. I'm not saying don't take cash as it may benefit you more, just that this is information that you should know.
Low wage workers who are paid in cash probably don't have a lot saved for retirement either and will need every cent of social security that you can get in retirement.