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Knowledge Center

Nanny Tax Basics

  • What about payroll taxes? Newborn Care Specialists & Temporary Nannies

    Many newborn care specialists (NCS) and nannies work a series of short term assignments throughout the year. These can range from several days to several months, and this may be something that you’re used to doing on a regular basis. These types of situations can leave the NCS or nanny and their employer confused about... Read more »
  • Household Employees: Understanding the Rules

    If you employ domestic workers like nannies, housekeepers, senior caregivers, private chefs or other in-home staff, it’s important to understand your responsibilities as a household employer and properly classify workers as household employees vs. independent contractors. Determining Employee vs Independent Contractor The Department of Labor recently updated its guidance on classifying workers, looking at factors… Read more »

  • Legal Nanny Payroll – How to Pay a Nanny Legally

    In the “nanny world”, the temptation to accept a job that pays CASH (off the books, no payroll or income tax reporting) is faced by every nanny. After all, who LIKES to pay taxes? Professional nannies know, however, that being paid legally is ultimately in their own best interest. Why? Read on to find out... Read more »
  • Legal Nanny Payroll – It’s Worth It!

    Many families mistakenly believe that paying their nanny cash, off the books, is easiest all around. After all, no complicated tax forms, the nanny takes home more money, the family doesn’t pay taxes, it sounds good all around. Until it isn’t good at all! The Family’s Risks Unemployment Claims: Nanny jobs are, by their nature,... Read more »
  • Nanny Tax Deductions for Household Employers

    As a family with household employees like a nanny, private senior caregiver, housekeeper or other domestic workers, you may be eligible for several tax deductions related to their employment costs. Taking advantage of these nanny tax deductions for household employers can provide substantial tax savings. Dependent Care Account If your family has a Dependent Care… Read more »

  • The Ultimate Nanny Tax Checklist for Household Employers in 2024

    Congratulations! You are a household employer. Here's your ultimate nanny tax checklist. As a household employer, staying compliant with nanny tax rules is crucial in 2024 and beyond. When you become a household employer you also have payroll tax and reporting obligations, the so-called nanny taxes. The family, and not the nanny, is ultimately responsible... Read more »
  • Are you a household employer?

    What Your Family Needs to Know... At HWS, we are experts on the tax and labor laws surrounding household employment, so you don't have to be. Let's first determine whether YOU are a household employer. Our knowledge center goes into much more depth on the details, here it is short and simple. Our lives are busy,... Read more »
  • I have someone working in my home. What taxes do I need to pay?

    In general, the Internal Revenue Service requires payroll tax filings by a domestic employer (household employer) who pays a housekeeper or other household employee more than $2,700 cash wages (2024) in a calendar year*. These payroll taxes are collectively referred to as “nanny taxes”, although as a practical matter these employment taxes are applied to… Read more »

  • So what are the payroll taxes household employers pay?

    Nanny taxes, what are they?  First it is important to understand the so called “nanny taxes” are not just for nannies! The Nanny Tax is a catchy phrase for headline writers! However, these are really household employment taxes and apply when you hire a nanny, housekeeper, maid, senior caregiver or other domestic worker. Household employers... Read more »
  • What payroll taxes does my nanny (housekeeper, maid) pay?

    Nanny payroll taxes, what are they?  First it is important to understand the so called “nanny taxes” apply to ALL household employees, not just nannies. Your household employee (nanny, housekeeper, senior caregiver, etc.) contributes to or pays: Social Security & Medicare Taxes (via payroll deduction) Employee Disability/Unemployment Taxes where required. Federal/State Income Taxes The employer... Read more »