I consider myself a very creative, non-practicing atty..... see my web design
Just flip it, now I am the local patron and I am purchasing the Art. Why should my cash purchase of art warrant my name being reported to the government? The Federal government is requesting, with no particular suspicion, that my name and other information be reported to the government by this private business owner/artist just because I paid in cash.
It is more invasive than him filing his quarterly tax returns which make no mention of me? YES.
It is more invasive than him filing his quarterly tax returns which make no mention of me? YES.
As you are well aware, there is no requirement for him to show how he spends his money on his tax return, unless he is looking for a tax deduction..so you are mixing apples and oranges.
But I would still say this is an acceptable request because the patron has other options, he can write a check..or pay by credit card. Like it or not...admit it or not...most people who pay more than $10,000 in cash have an alterior motive, they are hiding cash from the tax man, their wife, someone....
and lots of people on this thread are protesting too much.