One in eight individuals in the US carries student loan debt. This burden can feel overwhelming, as is often the case for care workers whose wages have not grown at the same rate as those for whom they work. Luckily there is a relatively new program offering relief.

Topics: maid, nanny retention, nanny, caregiver, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA

As families plan childcare arrangements for summer break, we want to revisit one of our most popular blog posts.  When budgeting and crafting a compensation plan to offer your employee, be sure to consider the items below so you don't miss out on tax breaks!

 

Let’s face it- no one enjoys paying taxes. As a household employer, you set a budget for employment costs and seek out the most highly qualified employee within that budget. Don’t be surprised by employment taxes, and don’t neglect an opportunity to minimize them by including forms of non-taxable compensation and benefits in an employment offer. By thinking beyond gross pay to total compensation, you can increase employee take-home pay and make a more attractive offer to your ideal candidate.

Topics: maid, nanny retention, geriatric care manager, senior care, nanny, caregiver, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA

One of the most important aspects of hiring a household employee is determining if they have any criminal history.  While some minor offenses might not be a deal breaker, it’s important to have a full picture of who your candidates are so you can hire the right person for your family. Armed with a complete background check and employment verification, you can get your questions answered and make your hiring decision.

Topics: maid, nanny retention, nanny, caregiver, Senior Caregiver Payroll, senior

Establishing a regular recognition and reward system for your household employee(s) ensures that they feel valued and appreciated for their efforts. Paying a fair wage and benefits is the best way to show you respect and value your employee’s work, but when they go above and beyond, acknowledging them in a greater way is important. Here are some ways to recognize and reward your employee for a job well done.

Topics: maid, nanny retention, nanny, caregiver, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA

Did you know that household employers are not legally obligated to pay for ANY holidays or time off to their employees*?  It is entirely up to the employer to decide if such a benefit will be offered or not.  Clearly this is something that should be discussed when interviewing, and memorialized in a written work agreement. We know from experience this is a big concern for household employees. In some situations, applicants will even choose one job over another based on the holiday and paid time off in the job offer.

Topics: housekeeper, maid, nanny paid time off, nanny benefits, nanny work agreement

Topics: elder care, senior caregivers, housekeeper, maid, nanny payroll, nanny tax

Topics: elder care, senior caregivers, babysitter nanny tax, housekeeper, cleaning lady, maid, nanny, companionship services

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, passed by Congress this January 1, included some substantial good news for employees whose employers supplement their public transportation expense.

Topics: housekeeper, maid, nanny benefits

Q. We have a regular babysitter. Most weeks she watches the children 3 afternoons/evenings a week, just until I get home from work, so my wife can attend classes. We only pay her $200 a week. I have heard about "nanny taxes" but since she is not full time or a real nanny, that doesn't apply to me, right?

Topics: elder care, senior caregivers, babysitter nanny tax, housekeeper, cleaning lady, maid, summer nanny, companionship services, household payroll tax

Do you have a regular person who comes to your home to provide housekeeping, maid or cleaning services? Do you know that this individual is probably your employee under common law and the Internal Revenue Code?

Topics: housekeeper, cleaning lady, maid, nanny tax