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

Are you considering hiring a nanny? As a household employer, paying your nanny a fair wage is essential. While you may not be required to offer paid vacation, health insurance, paid sick time, or retirement savings plans, offering some benefits is important. Benefits can help you attract and retain the best nannies in the industry. In addition, it helps your nanny avoid exhaustion or burnout. So, while you are considering your nanny's employment details, make sure you think seriously about what it takes to provide a good benefits package. 

Topics: nanny employment practices, nanny, nanny payroll tax, nanny health insurance, nanny benefits, household payroll

Spring break will be here soon and it’s a time that many families use for scheduled vacations. It’s a great time to reconnect and recharge with each other and if you’re not planning on bringing your nanny with you, you will need to know how your vacation will affect her.

Topics: nanny, agency

Topics: nanny, agency, senior, CPA, coronavirus, COVID-19

Updated 11 January 2021

Every year HomeWork Solutions prepares a "what's new or changed" roundup of household employment tax laws and benefit information.

HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYEE 2021 WAGE BASE:

The IRS annually reviews, and adjusts as necessary, the wage payment threshold that obligates a family to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes and issue employees W-2 forms. This threshold will increase to $2,300 for 2021.

Topics: nanny, agency, senior, CPA

Updated 22 December 2020

Every year HomeWork Solutions prepares a "what's new or changed" roundup of household employment tax laws and benefit information.

HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYEE 2021 WAGE BASE:

The IRS annually reviews, and adjusts as necessary, the wage payment threshold that obligates a family to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes and issue employees W-2 forms. This threshold will increase to $2,300 for 2021.

Topics: nanny, agency, senior, CPA

Healthcare open enrollment season is here, so we've asked our partners at Take Command Health to offer insights on why a Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA or ICHRA) may be right for you and your employee.  Here  is CEO Jack Hooper's take:

Topics: nanny agency, nanny, senior, CPA, HRA, Healthcare

When you first hire your nanny or caregiver, there are a lot of different action items that need to get set into motion. Defining wages, determining hours, setting up legal payroll and writing an employee contract are some of the primary things that need to be settled at the get-go. Investigating how to navigate tax breaks you might have when hiring an in-home employee is another big one. If you’re wondering if you can use your dependent care flexible spending account, here are some of the basic things you should know.

Topics: nanny, agency, senior, CPA