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Babysitter Payroll & Tax Services

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What We Do

At HomeWork Solutions, we provide tax, payroll, and HR services specifically designed for household employers and employees. Our mission is to provide personalized, accurate, and compliant payroll services that empower household employers so they can focus on what matters most, their family.

Whether you’ve hired a nanny, welcomed an au pair into your home, or are using the services of a babysitter, we’re here to help. We take pride in supporting our community, offering services that benefit both household employers and employees alike.

Happy young mum babysitter helping playing game with little kids daughters on floor, female nanny mother and cute small children sisters building castle of wooden blocks having fun with toys at home

Benefits of HomeWork Solutions Payroll & Tax Software

Automated Processes

AUTOMATED
PROCESS

Our self-service portal automates payroll calculations, tax withholdings, and payments, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Including FICA tax and unemployment taxes. 

Time Tracker

TIME
TRACKER

Our integrated time tracking system ensures accurate recording of hours worked, simplifying payroll processing.

EOY Filing

EASY END-OF-YEAR
FILING

We handle all end-of-year tax forms and filings, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for both employers and employees.

Compliance

GUARANTEED
COMPLIANCE

Be confident that all payroll and tax compliance requirements are met, avoiding penalties and legal issues.

Including compliance with federal and state regulations.

750,000+

tax returns processed

300+

CPAs, tax attorneys, & fiduciaries trust us with their clients

30+

years of experience making payroll & taxes simple

Start working with HWS Payroll today.

Let us handle all aspects of your small business payroll and taxes.

Schedule a free consultation

Explore Our Plans

Essential Tax

TAX ONLY

This plan provides fundamental payroll and tax compliance services. We handle all tax filings and remittances while you pay your household employee directly.

Ideal for those who want a simple, affordable solution, this plan ensures accurate tax withholding and filing.

  • Effortless new employer setup
  • Federal, state, & local tax withholding & filing
  • Annual Schedule H & W-2 preparation and delivery
EXPLORE Essential

Complete Payroll

PAYROLL + TAX

This plan takes the stress out of payroll with a comprehensive package that has both dedicated payroll processing and tax compliance.

Ideal for those who want to delegate the backend work and focus on what matters most.

  • Everything from Essential Tax plus:
  • Secure online portal with Digital VaultTM
  • Hassle-free tax notice management
  • Web-based timecard tracking included
  • Payment processing of healthcare (QSEHRA and ICHRA) & other reimbursements
  • Worker’s compensation insurance referral
  • Dedicated payroll specialist
EXPLORE Complete

Premier Household

PAYROLL + TAX + HR

This plan offers a world-class, full-service solution for those seeking meticulous payroll processing, unparalleled tax expertise, and strategic benefits guidance.

Ideal for those wanting priority service and weekend support, this plan ensures your payroll needs are always met.

  • Everything from Complete Payroll plus:
  • Weekly payroll at no extra charge
  • Dedicated tax coordinator
  • Unbiased workers’ compensation insurance guidance
  • QSEHRA health benefit plan consultation
  • Live onboarding for you and your employees
  • On-demand payroll reports
EXPLORE Premier

Let HomeWork Solutions Make Tax and Payroll Easy

Managing payroll for household employees can be daunting, but HomeWork Solutions simplifies the process with our expert guidance and user-friendly platform. Whether you’re handling payroll for a nanny, babysitter, or other household workers, our services ensure that your tax obligations are met, and your employees are paid accurately and on time. We offer solutions for every family, from basic tax compliance to full-service payroll management, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Mom and children sitting on a sofa reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my federal obligations as a household employer when hiring a babysitter?

As a household employer, your obligations include not only federal taxes like income tax withholding, Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment tax (FUTA), but also state unemployment tax (SUTA) and any local tax requirements. Our process ensures compliance at both the federal and state levels, handling federal taxes quarterly and adjusting for state filing requirements—whether they are weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. Additionally, we ensure you meet local tax obligations, offering a more complete service compared to leading competitors.

What is the nanny tax, and do I need to pay it?

The nanny tax refers to the federal and state employment taxes you must pay when you hire a household employee, such as a nanny. These taxes include social security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance, which you generally must pay on a quarterly basis.

How do I handle payroll taxes for a nanny share?

In a nanny share, each family is a household employer, and is responsible for their portion of the nanny's wages and payroll taxes. We can help manage payroll for nanny shares, ensuring compliance with all tax obligations for both families.

Do I need workers' compensation insurance for my babysitter?

Yes, most states require household employers to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages if a household employee is injured on the job. Even in states that do not require it by law, HomeWork Solutions recommends employers secure coverage to ensure they are protected in the event of a workplace injury.

What are the benefits of using a nanny payroll service like HomeWork Solutions?

Using a nanny payroll service like HWS simplifies tax withholding, filing, and compliance, ensuring that all employment taxes are handled correctly, a process the IRS estimates would take an employer approximately 60 hours to complete on their own. Our service also provides additional benefits such as time tracking, leave accrual, tax notice management, and secure online access to payroll records.

Is there a minimum wage requirement for household employees?

Yes, household employers must comply with federal, state, and local minimum wage laws, ensuring that employees are paid at least the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked. The specific rate can vary by state, so it's important to adhere to both federal and local regulations.

How do I prepare a W-2 form for my household employee?

At the end of each calendar year, household employers are required to prepare and issue a W-2 form to their employees, summarizing wages and the taxes withheld. HomeWork Solutions can handle this process for you, ensuring that the W-2 form is accurately prepared and delivered to your employee on time. We also take care of filing the form with the Social Security Administration, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting of your employee's earnings.

How do employer contributions to social security and Medicare work?

As a household employer, you are responsible for making employer contributions to Social Security and Medicare taxes, which are matched to the amounts withheld from your employee's wages. HomeWork Solutions simplifies this process by calculating, reporting, and paying these contributions on your behalf. We ensure that all required payments are made to the IRS on a quarterly basis, keeping you compliant with federal regulations and freeing you from the administrative burden.

What is the difference between a casual babysitter and a household employee in terms of tax responsibilities?

A casual babysitter, especially one under age 18 who is a student, is not considered a household employee and is not subject to employment taxes, according to IRS guidelines. However, once a babysitter is over age 18, regardless of whether they are a student, they are considered a household employee, and the employer must withhold and pay employment taxes.