I paid this guy $2850.00 for electrical work. Cash. Didn't get a receipt. How can I get one.?

Question

We came to an agreement that we would take care of the receipt later. I didn't have my receipt book on me at the time. Now its tax time and I would like to claim the work on my taxes and he refuses to answer/return my calls. He did good work but wont give me my receipt. What course of action can I take I any. I rehab houses for a living and didn't stick to the rules of the game.

Answer 1

You were very foolish. He wanted cash so he wouldn't have to declare it on his taxes. That's why he won't give you a receipt. He doesn't want a paper trail. You are very naive and out of luck. You might be able to take him to Small Claims Court if you have proof that you took that amount of money out of your account.

Answer 2

well i guess if u dont ask, u dont get.

if u cant contact him now, its ur own fault.

Answer 3

What other proof do you have that you paid him? Chances are that he isn't claiming the income to the IRS that is why he doesn't want to give you a receipt.

Just a quick thought here, why don't you just type up a receipt and put his name and phone number on it. The IRS most likely will not audit you and if they do then you have the receipt with his name and number on it.

Answer 4

I do believe if you've and don't hold me to it, if you create a record of the time date, and form of payment. you can submit the to the IRS as an admission you paid someone. The thing is I don't think the IRS is worried about you paying him. They are more concerned with getting the tax money "he" has to pay them. Record it in a ledger or write up a receipt  "from" and "to". and include it with your records. put it with all of the records from the whole job even indicate that the guy refuses to give you a receipt. If he doesn't want to follow the law... then it's on him. Just keep your books straight. Since you want to make this right ... and can... take the action you can. Write your own receipt..as a record of the transaction

Answer 5

Prepare one, tie him up and make him sign it.

Answer 6

Call and leave a message.  Tell him that if he does not provide a receipt you will be sending him -- and the IRS a 1099 showing you paid the $2850.00.

I don't think the IRS will question you because it is reasonable that electrical work be done by a qualified contractor and not by a homeowner or handyman.

Along this line of thought.  Do you have any evidence that he did the work?  For example, was it inspected?

Hope this helps

Jerry-the-bookkeeper