Surprisingly (or maybe not…), the Internal Revenue Code doesn’t provide a neat little list of exactly what can and can’t be deducted as a business expense. Instead, it gives us this broad guideline:

Topics: nanny taxes, household payroll, agency, CPA, business expense deductions, household employee tax rules, self-employed tax write-offs

Many families who hire household employees, like nannies, senior caregivers, or housekeepers, may not realize they’ve become employers in the eyes of the IRS and labor authorities. It’s common for families to agree to pay "off the books" without thinking about taxes — until January rolls around and the employee asks for a W-2.

Topics: nanny agency, nanny, household payroll, senior, CPA, W-2 for household employee, W-2 nanny, W-2 caregiver

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 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

As a CPA, your expertise is unparalleled, but staying abreast of every niche area of accounting can be overwhelming. Industry-specific laws and regulations, especially those governing household employees, are complex and ever-evolving. This is where outsourcing can make a significant difference, relieving you from the burden of constant learning and allowing you to provide more comprehensive service to your clients.

Topics: household payroll, CPA, schedule H

Nanny sharing is a popular solution for families balancing quality childcare with budget constraints. This arrangement allows one nanny to care for children of more than one family simultaneously. This arrangement offers social benefits for the children and financial savings for the parents. At the same time, the nanny generally makes a slightly higher hourly wage. However, as beneficial as nanny sharing can be, it also comes with challenges. Let's explore some common issues in nanny-share situations and provide practical solutions to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Topics: nanny share, nanny, household payroll, homework solutions, childcare solutions

 

Topics: nanny, household payroll, homework solutions

Caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming, especially when balancing work and other responsibilities. More families are exploring the option of privately hiring senior home care to ensure their loved ones can age in place safely and happily. You might wonder what to consider when hiring senior home care assistance. Let's break down the costs and options for in-home senior care.

Topics: aging in place, household payroll, senior, Aging at home

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