There’s all kinds of advice floating around out there about how to handle a nanny’s wages. Here, we’ve included only the facts on nannies and overtime:

Topics: nanny hourly wage, nanny non-exempt employee, nanny overtime, nanny work agreement, nanny contract

It's been called the Silver Tsunami - America's 65+ demographic, which currently accounts for 13 percent of the overall population, is expected account for more than 20 percent by 2050  according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Three quarters of that population strong prefers and expects to age in place, remaining in their homes and communities as long as possible. Many families turn to senior home caregivers to help their loved ones remain independent in a safe environment, especially when non-medical support is called for.

Once the caregiver is hired, questions remain about how to handle the senior caregiver's payroll. Families turn to senior home care referral agencies, accountants and geriatric care managers for guidance. HWS has heard some remarkably bad advice on senior caregiver payroll, advice that when followed often comes back to haunt the senior or their family members.

Topics: worker misclassification, worker misclassification independent contractor, senior home caregiver, senior home-care workers

1. A typographical error. 

Topics: nanny w-2 form, nanny income tax

When a nanny who has earned her wages under the table is fired and files an unemployment claim, nanny taxes can become a big deal for the former employers (your family!). Read on about how—and why—paying your household employees on the books is the best choice for you and your family.

Topics: nanny off the books, nanny taxes, nanny tax compliance

Your toddler is a bundle of energy. Play is your toddler’s work. There are times, however, when just sitting down and having snuggle time is important, especially when winter weather limits activities or a cold or a flu has your child (or you) feeling down.

Topics: nanny job satisfaction, nanny training

HWS' Client Care Manager, Mary Crowe, shares the story of a client who paid the nanny cash under the table, and later found himself on the wrong side of his state's unemployment agency.

Mike and Joyce R. hired a nanny when their twins were infants. They agreed with the nanny at the time that they were going to pay her $500 a week off the books. The nanny worked out wonderfully and she stayed with Mike and Joyce for almost three years, and was let go when the twins started a full-time pre-school/daycare situation. The family’s needs had changed, and they found another very part-time nanny to cover the afterschool hours.

Topics: nanny off the books, nanny unemployment insurance, nanny taxes, nanny tax case study

HWS received the following update today from Legally Nanny, a foremost legal expert in household employment law in California and wanted to immediately update California household employers.

Topics: companionship services, california household employment, senior home care, senior home-care workers

The holidays are over, special events and gatherings are behind you, and many nannies face many weeks of winter. Outdoor play can be reduced – or ruled out entirely – due to weather.

Topics: nanny training

California's Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA) requires all employers to provide an annual notice to employees that includes details of their hourly and overtime pay rates. 

Topics: california household employment, wage theft prevention

New York Governor Cuomo signed legislation December 30, 2014 that repeals the annual notice provisions of the NY Wage Theft Prevention Act (WPTA).

Topics: new york household employment, New York household payroll, wage theft prevention