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

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

Updated December 2023

Every year HomeWork Solutions prepares a summary of new or updated household employment tax laws and benefit information.

HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYEE 2024 WAGE BASE:

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 $2,700 for 2024.

Topics: nanny, agency, senior, CPA

Governments are recognizing the need to ensure household employees are paid a living wage and slowly phasing in wage increases over a series of years.  Effective January 1, 2024, minimum wage will be increasing in additional states and cities across the country.  As longtime advocates for fair and legal pay, we hope to see this trend continue, and to see an increase to the Federal Minimum Wage in the coming years.

Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA

The short answer is yes. Domestic employees, such as nannies, household assistants, and elder care providers are hourly employees under the law, and therefore must be paid overtime. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides the framework to determine weekly overtime requirements for household workers. Some states also have laws requiring daily overtime. It is important to understand all applicable rules to determine when overtime pay is due.

Topics: eldercare, caregiver payroll, nanny agency, senior care, nanny employment practices, nanny, nanny tax, nanny overtime, household payroll, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA

If you are seeking to provide a tax advantaged healthcare reimbursement, such as a QSEHRA, to your household employee, you need to make sure it is ACA compliant. Let's delve into what it takes for a plan to be ACA-compliant and what might not meet those standards.

Topics: eldercare, household employee, nanny agency, senior care, nanny, nanny health insurance, household payroll, senior caregiver health insurance, agency, senior, CPA

Whether you are hiring a nanny, a caregiver for an elderly family member, or any other domestic worker, understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) live-in and live-out designations, is crucial. These federal guidelines ensure fair treatment and compensation for domestic workers, based on the residential status required of their position.

Topics: nanny agency, senior care, nanny, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA

If you are considering hiring a nanny, senior caregiver, or other household employee, and are unsure if your new hire should be paid hourly or salaried, you're not alone. Many families are confused by the rules and guidelines that govern their employment arrangements with domestic employees. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides guidance and explains why nannies and most other household employees are considered "Non-Exempt workers under federal law and must be eligible for overtime pay.

Topics: nanny agency, senior care, nanny, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), has played a crucial role in shaping the labor landscape in the United States, and domestic workers have had their unique journey within this historic legislation.

Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA