aries, DY, you make it sound like the whole problem is the Shadchanim being afraid of getting stiffed, so it is really all about the money.
No, the main problem is that there are more available girls than boys. That point was addressing why the program calls fot the money to be put in escrow.
Don’t shadchanim have contracts that they sign with their clients and if not why not?
They don’t, AFAIK, but I can only imagine what a phone call from a shadchan would sound like:
“Hi, my name is Mrs. Flugenstein, and I’m calling about a possible shidduch for you son. She’s a wonderful girl – great middos, full of chein, bright, and personable. Her parents are wonderful people – pillars of their community. When can we meet?”
“Meet? What do you mean? Who’s the girl?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you that until we sign a contract. Don’t forget to bring two eidim, and a signed affadavit from a recognized beis din certifying that they are kosher eidim”.
It is not done l’shem mitzvah for charity, it is done to earn parnasah and therefore it is subject to income tax.
Firstly, it’s not a contradiction to do something l’sheim shomayim but receive compensation for it. We would hope and assume that our rabbonim, rebbeim, mohelim, etc. are l’sheim shomayim, but they need to live. But that has nothing to do with paying taxes, which all need to do. Even someone who is a family friend and receives shadchanus gelt would need to report it (ask your local CPA).
Why do you assume that shadchanim pay taxes less than anyone else who runs a cash business? If you’re honest, you’ll pay, if not, you won’t, but it has nothing to do with what profession you are in.