If you're hiring a nanny, senior caregiver, or other household employee, you're not just providing a paycheck; you’re also responsible for certain tax withholdings. In 2026, if you pay a household employee more than $3,000, you're required to withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) from their wages.
Topics: caregiver payroll, nanny, nanny payroll, nanny tax, senior, CPA, homework solutions, household employer taxes, 2026 W-4 form, household employee withholding, IRS tax forms, how to fill out a w-4 form, 2026 tax updates, W-4 form
Tax season can be stressful, especially if you end up owing more than expected. Many nannies and other household employees find themselves with a surprise tax bill, often because of how income tax withholding is handled throughout the year.
Topics: nanny share, nanny agency, nanny, nanny payroll, homework solutions, W-4 mistakes, nanny share taxes
You’ve hired a fantastic nanny, housekeeper, or caregiver — but now it’s time to navigate pay stubs. It’s more than just a piece of paper. A pay stub is your proof of legal compliance, your employee’s proof of income, and one of the most important parts of managing household payroll.
Topics: nanny agency, nanny, homework solutions, Pay stubs for household employers, How to create pay a stub for nanny, pay stubs for caregivers, pay for household employees
When caring for a senior loved one, planning for unexpected emergencies is essential. Seniors are particularly vulnerable in weather events and natural disasters and often have health conditions that require close monitoring. Ensuring a thorough emergency preparedness plan is a key responsibility for families and their in-home caregivers. Here are some updated tips for creating your 2025 emergency response plan.
Topics: senior, homework solutions, Emergency preparedness for seniors, Senior caregiver emergency plans, Senior safety during natural disasters
Topics: nanny, outsource nanny payroll, homework solutions, nanny overtime laws, nanny pay, FLSA nanny laws, household employment laws, guaranteed hours
If one of your household employees recently filed for unemployment benefits, you might be feeling unsure about your next steps. Don't worry—this is a common situation, and we're here to guide you through it. Understanding what it means when a former employee files an unemployment claim can help you respond properly and avoid any potential complications. Let’s break down the basics of unemployment claims and explain what’s required of you as an employer.
Topics: nanny, household payroll, homework solutions
At HomeWork Solutions, we understand that household employment can bring unique challenges for CPAs and financial professionals. Whether it’s a client who just hired a nanny or a question about how to handle household payroll taxes, we're here to make sure you have the insights you need. To help you guide your clients confidently, we’ve compiled a list of nine essential tips that will keep you on the right track.
Topics: CPA, homework solutions
At HomeWork Solutions, we know that managing taxes can be confusing, especially when you're working as a nanny or caregiver. You might be tempted to try to simplify things by claiming "exempt" on your W-4 tax withholding form, thinking that it will allow you to keep more of your paycheck. However, this decision can lead to serious financial and legal consequences down the road.
Topics: caregiver payroll, household employee, nanny payroll, nanny taxes, household payroll, homework solutions
As household employers in 2024, we know the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with our nannies and senior caregivers. Performance evaluations are a crucial part of this, but traditional reviews can feel daunting and unproductive. It's time to transform these evaluations into empowering conversations that foster growth and satisfaction for everyone involved.
Topics: nanny, household payroll, senior, homework solutions
If you’ve recently hired a household employee, you’re likely aware you have employment tax obligations. One crucial and often overlooked responsibility, in addition to social security and Medicare taxes, is paying Federal and State Unemployment Insurance taxes. This benefit program can be confusing, but we’ll explain the essential details.
Topics: nanny, senior, homework solutions
