Update: In 2014, the Household Employee Wage threshold increased to $1900. This means that any household employee- such as a nanny, housekeeper or elder care worker- earning $1900 or more per year requires their employer to pay what is commonly referred to as the "nanny tax."

Topics: nanny payroll tax, nanny tax, worker misclassification independent contractor, nanny employee, domestic employer legal responsibilities

The NYS Wage Theft Prevention Act was signed into law in April 2011. This act amends Section 195 of the NYS Labor Law to require all private employers to provide notice to employees of their rate(s) of pay and designated pay day.

Topics: nanny hourly wage, domestic workers bill of rights, domestic employer legal responsibilities, new york household employment

Topics: elder care, senior caregivers, homecare, companionship services, companionship exemption

The Obama Administration has identified worker mis-classification and the resultant payroll tax avoidance - specifically misclassifying employees as independent contractors - as an enforcement priority.

Topics: worker misclassification independent contractor, nanny employee, nanny non-exempt employee, nanny independent contractor

Many nannies are on the go with their charges on a regular basis. Library story hour, sports, music lessons, and even the grocery store are common destinations. The nanny and the parents both need a way to communicate - from the mundane coordination of activities to the unlikely emergency. In this era of instant communication, virtually all household staff need a cell phone to meet the expectations of their employer and perform their job duties.

Topics: nanny expense reimbursement, household employee expense reimbursement, nanny mileage reimbursement

Guest blogger Donna Shannon of The Personal Touch Career Services is one of the few career coaches who works with the private service industry. Based in Denver, she has been teaching job searching workshops since 2004. Her book Get a Job Without Going Crazy: A Practical Guide to Your Employment Search (Booksurge Publishing, 2009) is available on Amazon.com.

Topics: tips for nanny job interview, nanny job interview

Prescreening of nanny job applicants over the telephone is common for both families and agencies. The telephone interview is a two way conversation, and should enable the candidate and family/agency to make an initial assessment of job fit.

Topics: tips for nanny job interview, nanny job interview

We have recently been discussing the increased popularity of nanny sharing - two families hiring one nanny to care for both children. Today we will explore the top three Sticky wickets in a nanny share arrangement.

Topics: nanny share, nanny employment practices, nanny work agreement

We recently blogged about how many families are turning to nanny sharing arrangements - sometimes called Share Care - to reduce and manage their infant day care expenses. How does a family go about getting a nanny share going?

HomeWork Solutions recommends the following best practices:

• Both families should interview potential nannies together if possible. If Family A already has a nanny and family and nanny mutually decide a share is in their best interests, Family B should have an opportunity to independently interview both Family A and the nanny. Don't forget the all important reference checks and criminal background check.
  
  
• Write down the details. This should be a three way document between both families and the nanny and it should detail the possible issues above - hours, wages, benefits, taxes, sick care policies, vacation, nanny sick days and the notice provision for ending the share by either party.
  
  

Topics: nanny share, nanny work agreement, nanny contract

Did you know that a family in DC will spend an average of $18,200 per year on child care? According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) recent study, many families pay more for a year of early child care than they would pay for a year's tuition at a public university!

Topics: nanny share, nanny employment practices, nanny taxes