Babysitting is an essential service for parents who want to go on a date, attend a child-free event, or simply have some time to recharge. However, when tax season arrives, many caregivers wonder whether they need to pay taxes on those earnings. The answer depends on how much money changed hands and whether the temporary work meets the guidelines for self-employment.
Topics: household employee taxes, nanny, agency, nanny side jobs, babysitting taxes, babysitter self-employment tax
If you’ve hired a nanny, you’re responsible for handling their payroll and taxes correctly—and that includes issuing a W-2 at the end of the year. But a W-2 isn’t just a form you fill out in January; it’s the final step in a yearlong process of paying your nanny legally.
Topics: nanny w-2 form, nanny, agency, nanny tax withholding, How to create a W-2 for a nanny, Employer responsibilities for a nanny, Nanny tax forms
Surprisingly (or maybe not…), the Internal Revenue Code doesn’t provide a neat little list of exactly what can and can’t be deducted as a business expense. Instead, it gives us this broad guideline:
Topics: nanny taxes, household payroll, agency, CPA, business expense deductions, household employee tax rules, self-employed tax write-offs
Feeling like there’s never enough time in the day? You’re not alone. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, managing your household’s payroll and taxes can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all yourself.
Topics: household employee taxes, caregiver payroll, nanny, nanny payroll, nanny background screening, agency, senior, outsource household payroll, stress-free payroll solutions
Updated December 2024
Every year HomeWork Solutions prepares a summary of new or updated household employment tax laws and benefit information.
The IRS annually reviews, and adjusts as necessary, the wage payment threshold that obligates a family to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. These tax withholdings are reported annually on a W-2. This threshold will increase to $2,800 for 2025.
Minimum wage will be increasing in many states and cities across the country. As longtime advocates for fair and legal pay, we believe this is long overdue! Domestic employees deserve a living wage that fairly compensates them for the invaluable work they do to keep our households running.
Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA
When new household employees reach out to HomeWork Solutions for information on how their employers should report wages, some respond with “I don’t want to pay taxes, maybe we will just do this under the table.” While under the table payments might seem tempting at first, it really isn’t a good idea to work “off the books." We remind these callers when unreported or under-reported income comes to light the taxpayer not only owes the original amount, but also penalties and interest. Often these callers ask how the IRS will find out about the payments. So, let’s look into how under the table wages may be discovered.
Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA
Nanny work agreements play a vital role in establishing a successful nanny-employer relationship. These documents provide a clear framework for the employment arrangement and help prevent potentially damaging misunderstandings.
In the world of employment and compensation, bonuses are like icing on the cake. They are the reward that make hard work and dedication feel appreciated and recognized. For hourly employees like nannies, caregivers, and , bonuses can take two primary forms: discretionary and non-discretionary. But what are the key differences between these two, and how do they impact overtime pay?
Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA
In the modern economy, more and more households are hiring domestic help, whether it's a nanny, caregiver, or housekeeper. These household employees play a crucial role in keeping our lives running smoothly, and it's important to recognize their dedication and hard work. One effective way to show appreciation and also maximize tax savings for you, and your employee, is by offering a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA).
Topics: nanny agencies, senior care, nanny, nanny tax, household payroll tax, nanny benefits, household independent contractor, household payroll, agency, senior, CPA
