CLIENT LOGIN | Member Services OR EMPLOYEE LOGIN | Self Service

Knowledge Center

Nanny Tax Basics

  • 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 »

  • What could happen if I don’t pay the nanny taxes? Are there any good reasons to pay?

    Why Should I Pay Nanny Taxes In-home care is expensive. After the family’s mortgage payment, the nanny or home health aide salary is often the biggest expense in the household. Add the cost of taxes on top of this and many families wonder “Why?” If I don’t pay the taxes the nanny keeps more money,… Read more »

  • Are there tax breaks for dependent care? Does this apply when I hire an in-home caregiver?

    There are two popular strategies that families employing nannies or senior caregivers use to minimize their personal income taxes. Many families can utilize a flexible spending plan (cafeteria plan) offered by their employer for child and dependent care expenses. Your employer’s human resources department can provide you with plan details. Another strategy is the Child… 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 »

  • Congress simplified the “nanny taxes.” What does that mean to me?

    Congress legislated significant revisions to the “Nanny Tax” in October 1994. The remittance of the FEDERAL nanny payroll taxes was incorporated in the employing families’ annual Form 1040 filings. Most payments to household workers under 18 years of age are now exempted. The wage payment that triggers an obligation to make “Nanny Tax” filings was… Read more »