Topics: household employee taxes, household employee, household employer, Senior Caregiver Payroll, CPA, schedule H, homework solutions, Household payroll compliance, household employer taxes, worker classification, IRS Publication 926, Household payroll for CPAs, Housekeeper payroll, Household employee W-2, household employee vs independent contractor, Schedule H household payroll for clients, how to identify a household employer client, does a housekeeper need a W-2 or 1099

It usually starts with the best of intentions.

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If you’ve ever looked at a paycheck and wondered where a part of your earnings went, you’re not alone. Between Social Security, Medicare, federal income taxes, and other withholdings, payroll deductions can feel confusing at first glance.

Topics: nanny, senior, CPA, homework solutions, paying a caregiver, paying a nanny, nanny tax help, payroll taxes, payroll withholding, senior care tax help, Social Security explained, Medicare tax, Social Security benefits, Social Security retirement benefits, household payroll taxes, Social Security eligibility, paying a nanny cash, FICA tax

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