Finding the right in-home care for a loved one is a deeply personal and important decision. From medication supervision to help with daily activities like grooming or meal preparation, an in-home caregiver can make all the difference in providing a safe and comfortable environment. However, finding the right caregiver involves careful research and planning to avoid common pitfalls. Here are three key mistakes to steer clear of when hiring an in-home caregiver.

Topics: eldercare, senior care, senior, caregiver payroll services

Minimum wage will be increasing in many states and cities across the country.  As longtime advocates for fair and legal pay, we believe this is long overdue!  Domestic employees deserve a living wage that fairly compensates them for the invaluable work they do to keep our households running.

Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA

When new household employees reach out to HomeWork Solutions for information on how their employers should report wages, some respond with “I don’t want to pay taxes, maybe we will just do this under the table.” While under the table payments might seem tempting at first, it really isn’t a good idea to work “off the books." We remind these callers when unreported or under-reported income comes to light the taxpayer not only owes the original amount, but also penalties and interest. Often these callers ask how the IRS will find out about the payments.  So, let’s look into how under the table wages may be discovered.

Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA

In the world of employment and compensation, bonuses are like icing on the cake. They are the reward that make hard work and dedication feel appreciated and recognized. For hourly employees like nannies, caregivers, and , bonuses can take two primary forms: discretionary and non-discretionary. But what are the key differences between these two, and how do they impact overtime pay? 

Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA

In the modern economy, more and more households are hiring domestic help, whether it's a nanny, caregiver, or housekeeper. These household employees play a crucial role in keeping our lives running smoothly, and it's important to recognize their dedication and hard work. One effective way to show appreciation and also maximize tax savings for you, and your employee, is by offering a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA).

Topics: nanny agencies, senior care, nanny, nanny tax, household payroll tax, nanny benefits, household independent contractor, household payroll, agency, senior, CPA

It is time to plan ahead and have an inclement weather policy in place for the upcoming winter weather. Snowy or icy conditions can be unsafe, and safety should always be the top priority when determining if an employee should commute in to work. In the event of a weather emergency, having an inclement weather policy in place ensures everyone knows what to do.

Topics: payroll, nanny agency, senior care, nanny, nanny work agreement, household payroll, senior

Governments are recognizing the need to ensure household employees are paid a living wage and slowly phasing in wage increases over a series of years.  Effective January 1, 2024, minimum wage will be increasing in additional states and cities across the country.  As longtime advocates for fair and legal pay, we hope to see this trend continue, and to see an increase to the Federal Minimum Wage in the coming years.

Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, senior, CPA

The short answer is yes. Domestic employees, such as nannies, household assistants, and elder care providers are hourly employees under the law, and therefore must be paid overtime. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides the framework to determine weekly overtime requirements for household workers. Some states also have laws requiring daily overtime. It is important to understand all applicable rules to determine when overtime pay is due.

Topics: eldercare, caregiver payroll, nanny agency, senior care, nanny employment practices, nanny, nanny tax, nanny overtime, household payroll, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA

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

Whether you are hiring a nanny, a caregiver for an elderly family member, or any other domestic worker, understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) live-in and live-out designations, is crucial. These federal guidelines ensure fair treatment and compensation for domestic workers, based on the residential status required of their position.

Topics: nanny agency, senior care, nanny, Senior Caregiver Payroll, agency, senior, CPA