Knowledge Center

Interest

• Nanny Annual Performance Reviews

  Nannies, like any other employee, are entitled to regular, scheduled salary reviews and performance appraisals. Many families link the two, others strictly review salary on an annual basis and performance appraisals may be delivered more frequently. Regular review of performance and compensation sends the nanny the message that you view her as a professional, a… Read more »

• Nanny Holiday and Year End Bonuses

  Do I give my nanny a holiday bonus or a yearend bonus? Many employers seek guidance on bonus and incentive pay norms for nanny employment. There is no “one size fits all” solution; there are as many creative ways to approach this as there are nanny employers. A cash bonus is by far the most… Read more »

• What is New Hire Reporting? I just hired a nanny.

  What is new hire reporting exactly? The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 requires that all employers file a new hire report on all newly hired workers and re-hired workers within a specified period, generally 2 weeks, or incur a financial penalty. Each state has designated an agency responsible for the collection of… Read more »

• We are hiring a live-in nanny. How do you figure her room and board for tax purposes?

  In general, the Internal Revenue Service (see §119(a)) allows you to exclude from income the value of meals and lodging furnished by the employer when hiring a live-in nanny or household worker (nanny room and board), provided the following conditions are met: Meals and lodging (room and board) must be furnished on the business premises… Read more »

• Do I need a nanny contract or work agreement?

  A nanny contract or work agreement is not legally required under Federal law, but you SHOULD take the time to write one up anyway. It is a best practice that protects the family and provides a point of reference to both parties when there are questions or misunderstandings. A written nanny work agreement helps the family... Read more »

• How do we handle nanny share payroll taxes with another family?

  When you share a nanny with another family, both families become employers. Presuming that you each pay the nanny for the work performed for your individual family, each employer is responsible for withholding nanny share payroll taxes and the periodic remittances of payroll taxes. Nanny share payroll taxes can be confusing, especially if you are… Read more »

• What are my tax responsibilities with a temporary nanny? She only worked for us for six weeks while my wife was on bed rest.

  Many families hire temporary nannies or other temporary household workers and have many questions about their financial and legal responsibilities. Examples include the temporary nanny who is working while the mother is on bed rest, the respite senior caregiver staying with an aged family member while you are away for work or vacation, or the… Read more »

• Why Professional Nannies Want to be Paid 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, however, understand nanny tax compliance and know that being paid legally is ultimately in their own best interest. Unemployment... Read more »

• Nanny Reference Checking: How and Why

  The nanny candidate has just left your home. The meeting went very well. You felt a connection, an instant bonding. You think, “Hurrah! I found the perfect nanny for my family!” You are ready to make an offer — or are you? Whoa! Stop right here! Never make an offer to any candidate without checking… Read more »

• Do I need to hire a U.S. citizen to be our nanny or dad’s caregiver?

  SUMMARY: You may legally hire a U.S. citizen, an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien with a valid work permit. You are required to verify your candidate's employment eligibility using » Form I-9. Aliens with a valid work permit are eligible for and should have a valid Social Security Number. It is... Read more »