Enrolling in a Dependent Care FSA?How to claim up to $7,500
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What would the IRS flag about how you've been paying your nanny?

Answer 12 questions. We'll check common federal and state household-employment issues and show you what needs review.

Educational only. Not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult a licensed tax professional for your specific situation.

How Tennessee household employer rules differ

Tennessee has no state income tax on wages (the Hall tax on investment income was eliminated in 2021). This makes it one of the simpler states for household employers.

State unemployment insurance (SUI). Tennessee requires household employers to register and pay state unemployment tax once wages cross its applicable threshold. New York and DC use $500 per quarter; many states use $1,000. 2026 unemployment tax rates in Tennessee: 0.1% - 10%. Missing the registration is one of the most common audit findings.

No state income tax withholding. Tennessee has no state income tax at all, so there's nothing to deduct from your nanny's paycheck on the state side and no state return for them to file. You still owe the federal baseline (FICA, FUTA, Schedule H) and any SUI obligation.

Minimum wage. The minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25/hour (federal). Paying below the rate that applies is a wage problem with the Department of Labor, separate from taxes and often more expensive, because you owe the back wages plus a penalty on top.

Tennessee household employer questions

The state-specific rules behind every finding.