Do I give money back to client?

Question

I got paid for a freelance job where my client paid me cash. This included an amount for my assistant. After the job was done we all went out for a drink and as we were all parting I tried to pay my assistant (unprofessional, i know, but we were all drunk, and we are kind of 'friends'). My client saw my assistant refuse the money. After that, my assistant and I left together, so theoretically I could have paid her afterwards. My client wouldn't know. Do I be honest and give back the money to the client? Or is that included in my fees and therefore mine to keep?

Answer 1

In my opinion, I feel that it should not matter if the fee included pay for your assistant or not.  It was a lump sum.  It could have been all for you for all the client knew and how you spend what you are paid is up to you.  How is it being dishonest by not returning it?  It wa paid to you.  Did you state to the client that it was part for your assistant?  If you did tell the client that, then I would return it if the assistant still will not take any of it.

Answer 2

~~I see it as you were paid for your services and you are suppose to cover all the overhead. What you do with the  money after being paid is your private business (except of course the tax man likes to know :)