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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 »
  • 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 »
  • Legal Nanny Payroll – It’s Worth It!

    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? Unemployment Benefits Nanny jobs are,... 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 a housekeeper 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 (2023) 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 »
  • How often do I need to pay or remit the “nanny taxes”?

    Many wonder how to pay nanny taxes and how often to file. Understand that the federal and state filing schedules are NOT synchronized. Additionally, not all states have the same reporting schedule. Federal Employment Taxes: Employers of domestic workers must, at a minimum, make annual payments for Social Security, Medicare and Withheld Income Tax (if… Read more »

  • Nanny Fired: When are last wage payments due?

    Whether the nanny is fired (involuntary separation, termination or discharge) or resigns (quits) voluntarily, state rules define how quickly the employer must give the final paycheck. Below is a state by state summary of separation payment rules as they apply to household employees.* May 2019 You MAY NOT withhold the final paycheck pending the return… Read more »

  • Nanny Terminated: Do I have to pay out Vacation or Sick Time?

    When your household employee – whether a nanny, housekeeper, senior caregiver or other – leaves your employment many states require that you pay out her earned but unused vacation time. Generally, it doesn’t matter if the separation of employment is voluntary or involuntary. If you have a separate bank for sick time, that is excluded… Read more »

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