Thank you note with gift of money

Today, one of the parents of a child i watch came by (I watch her son during school holidays like summer vacation, march break and Christmas break). She gave me a thank you note for being understanding and flexible after the father lost his job. I allowed them to drop down to a few days a week and only pay for the days they came, as opposed to the full time care they originally signed on for but I didn't change the contract. I am human and i have been laid off too, twice in 2008 actually, so i sympathize with the stresses of losing a job. I had no problem helping them out because they are genuinely nice people and they always send their son to me to care for.

Tucked inside the card was money- the equivalent of almost 2 weeks of full time fees. She had mentioned to me before "i promise i will try to pay you back one day" but i never expected the money, i know she would send her son again to me for care so in MY mind, that is kind of like paying me back. Should i regard this money as a gift or should i give her a receipt for it? In the note she wrote that the money was 'to pay me back for some of the days he missed'. I am appreciative that she was thoughtful

I would give a receipt based on her note.

First of all, that is really awesome of her. Wow. Second, if it was me, I think I would ask her if she wanted a receipt. Then you don't have to worry about offending her by giving her a receipt if she only wanted to give you a gift. If it was truly coming as a gift, she might be offended that you are trying to make it into something else. The best way to find out is asking her.

Great client! Worthy of your assistance during the tough time! I agree with Superfun. but when you ask, remind that it is a tax break...so even if it was a gift, she can score a few less tax dollars without guilt as it was childcare related.

Great client. I too would give a receipt. Since the original favour on your part was some leeway regarding contracted day care fees, and since she said she'd repay you some day, then I would view it as day care fees you didn't expect to see and issue a tax receipt for it.

Thanks friends. I was thinking the same thing. I was leaning towards issuing the receipt as well.

Awww that was so sweet !!!

Some people are worth accommodating!

That's amazing! I would issue a receipt too.

Wow!!! What nice people to have as clients-I would give them a tax receipt with a smile :)
Everyone wins - and you are very nice too to remember what it was like to be down and out of a job
good for you MonkeyPrincess :)