Updated 22 December 2020
Every year HomeWork Solutions prepares a "what's new or changed" roundup of 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 and issue employees W-2 forms. This threshold will increase to $2,300 for 2021.
When you first hire your nanny or caregiver, there are a lot of different action items that need to get set into motion. Defining wages, determining hours, setting up legal payroll and writing an employee contract are some of the primary things that need to be settled at the get-go. Investigating how to navigate tax breaks you might have when hiring an in-home employee is another big one. If you’re wondering if you can use your dependent care flexible spending account, here are some of the basic things you should know.
As your loved one starts to age, it is important to determine what type of care for them is best. Nursing homes or assisted living centers are not meant for everyone. Many seniors and their families want to be in the comfort of their own homes if possible. Getting dressed, managing medications, cooking, and cleaning the home can get harder and harder and for scenarios like this, hiring an in-home caregiver is a great option. If you are considering finding an adult caregiver to work in your loved one’s home, here are some benefits.
Topics: senior caregivers, aging in place, eldercare, caregiver, Hiring Elder care, senior home care, senior home caregiver, agency, COVID-19
Millions of Americans have lost work this year and are collecting unemployment benefits. However, many people are unaware that the money you are collecting from unemployment is considered income and is taxable. Federal income tax is always owed on unemployment benefits. To avoid a surprise tax bill during tax season, be sure to withhold taxes or pay estimated taxes ahead of time. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you don’t have to face an unexpected hit on your benefits later. 
Topics: nanny agency, nanny tax, agency
If you have recently started a position with a new employer, you’re probably learning about the different benefits that you’ve been hired with. Many household employers who do not offer group health coverage for their employees help pay for medical expenses through a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA). When you negotiate this benefit with your new employer, it will help pay your health care costs for qualifying health insurance coverage. If you have never worked with a QSEHRA before, we’ll break down the important must-knows here.
Your nanny is an important part of your family. She takes care of your kids when you are away, and she gives them the love and attention that they need. Paying your nanny a fair wage is one way to show your appreciation for her attentive work with your kids, but when she goes above and beyond, you can choose to acknowledge her in an even greater way. Here are some ideas on how to do that.
Topics: household employee, nanny agency, nannies, nanny taxes, nanny bonus, agency
Physical distancing. Shortened school years. Quarantine. Closed playgrounds and cancelled play dates. Boredom. Economic turmoil. Everyone wearing masks and gloves outside or in stores. Fear over loved ones getting sick.
The impact of COVID-19 has had far reaching effects. It has caused angst, sadness and people young and old alike are left grappling with the new world as we know it.
Topics: nanny, nanny payroll tax, nanny tax, agency, senior, CPA, Tax Holiday
There is no doubt about it: 2020 has been a year of surprise and change. Parents have had to get creative in how they care for and school their children, in addition to adjusting their own career schedules to make it work. Nanny shares and learning pods are two effective methods that parents are using around the country to provide quality education and care for their kids.
Topics: household employer, nanny, nanny tax, household payroll, agency, private educator, Learning pods
Nannies and families often negotiate a trial period at the beginning of a new job. The nanny trial period may be from several days to several weeks, depending on the arrangement. This essentially gives both parties the opportunity to learn a bit more about each other, and a graceful way to bow out of a longer term employment arrangement if either party feels this is not a good match.
