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

For CPAs, now is a great time of year to ensure clients with household employees—like nannies—are doing things the right way to make tax time easier for them and for you. It’s ideal if these clients have diligently tracked hours, issued accurate paychecks with the appropriate Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld, and kept up with quarterly unemployment tax filings and W-2 distribution. Unfortunately, this scenario is more the exception than the rule. Many employers of household employees are either not fully aware of their responsibilities or find themselves too pressed for time to manage them effectively, often creating additional workload for their CPAs.

Topics: household employee, household payroll, CPA

Good communication that establishes a mutual understanding is necessary when hiring a nanny, senior caregiver, or other household employee to work in your home. When it comes to defining benefits such as paid holidays, the details matter to ensure there is no misunderstanding about how these holidays will be compensated. If the employee often works more than 40 hours per week, defining this benefit and clarifying expectations becomes even more critical. Let’s examine how labor laws determine when overtime is due and how guaranteed pay alters the picture.

Topics: overtime rules, household employee, household employer, hiring a nanny, time tracking, nanny hourly wage, domestic employer legal responsibilities, nanny overtime, Hiring Elder care, Senior Caregiver Payroll

When you hire a new household employee, it's important to handle the process carefully and thoroughly. Whether you're welcoming a nanny, a senior caregiver, or a household chef, understanding the key steps can help ensure a smooth integration into your home and family life. Here are several essential considerations to remember as you begin this important journey.

Topics: household employee taxes, caregiver payroll, household staffing agency, household employee, hiring a nanny, nanny employment practices, nanny payroll, nanny payroll tax, nannies, nanny tax, nanny employee, domestic employer legal responsibilities, household payroll, Hiring Elder care, hiring care for seniors, domestic worker, caregiver management

When your nanny decides to leave, whether the parting is mutual or unexpected, it can be an emotional and complicated time for everyone involved. Here are some important steps to consider to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain a positive relationship through the change:

Topics: caregiver payroll, household employee, household employer, hiring a nanny, nanny employment practices, nanny taxes, nanny employee, nanny return of family property, household payroll, nanny employment termination, nanny separation, caregiver, domestic worker, childcare, child care

Navigating the complexities of payroll and taxes is more than just a bureaucratic task; it's a commitment to fairness and integrity. Let’s take a look at the importance of transparent wage reporting, the ethical considerations of payroll management, the financial risks of non-compliance, and the broader implications on your nanny's welfare.

Topics: household employee, hiring a nanny, childcare, child care

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

If you recently hired a household employee who lives out of town, there is a good chance you have discussed reimbursement for moving expenses. These costs can be a burden for employees, so employers often step in and help with the expenses or cover them completely. Here are some things to remember when it comes to paying for moving-related costs surrounding the hiring of your new employee.

Topics: household employee, household employer, nanny expense reimbursement, household payroll literacy, nanny agency, household payroll, caregiver, IRS

Starting July 15 and continuing through the end of 2021, many parents will be receiving a child tax credit as part of the American Rescue Plan. The tax credit is $3,600 for children younger than age six and $3,000 for those between six and seventeen. The payments are an ‘advance’ on 2021 taxes and will arrive in monthly installments on the 15^th of every month. The total credit is available for married couples with children earning a combined $150,000 or less that file jointly or $75,000 for individuals. For people making more, the money will be reduced accordingly. Most people will get the funds through direct deposit into their bank account or how you filed your 2020 taxes.

Topics: household employee, nanny employment practices, nanny payroll tax, nannies, nanny tax, nanny interview, nanny job search, CPA, IRS, kids

Summer is right around the corner, and kids are dreaming of their extended vacations. Unfortunately, many parents don't get the same amount of time off from their work responsibilities. Will you need an extra hand with the kids this summer?

Topics: household employee, nanny summer schedule, nanny agency, nanny payroll, nanny payroll tax, nanny tax, nanny wage, household payroll, temporary nanny, nanny job search