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Plain-English answers for household employers. No jargon, no judgment — just help.
How to cancel SurePayroll and switch to NannyKeeper for nanny payroll. What to download before you leave, how to transfer YTD data mid-year, and save $300+/year.
The simplest way to track your nanny's hours — no app downloads, no spreadsheets. Free tool that works on any phone with automatic overtime calculation.
A guide for CPAs, bookkeepers, and tax preparers managing household employer payroll across multiple client families.
Step-by-step Python tutorial for calculating household employer taxes using the NannyKeeper API. All 50 states, 10 lines of code.
NannyKeeper has a public REST API and MCP server for calculating household employer taxes in all 50 states. Free tier, no credit card.
Set up the NannyKeeper MCP server so Claude or ChatGPT can calculate household employer taxes for all 50 US states. Free, 5 minutes.
13 states plus DC require paid family leave that covers household employees. See which states apply, contribution rates, and what you owe as the employer.
HomePay Premium is $75/mo ($900/year). GTM is $70/mo ($840/year). We compare pricing, features, filing service, and a $100/year self-service option.
A step-by-step guide to paying your nanny on the books. Get an EIN, set up withholding, pay quarterly taxes, and file year-end forms—all in plain English.
Nanny payroll costs $10–$75/month depending on the service, plus 9–12% in employer taxes. Here's the full cost breakdown with a free calculator.
HomePay Premium is $75/mo ($900/yr), Poppins is $49/mo ($588/yr). Both file your nanny taxes. We compare pricing, features, and a $10/mo alternative.
Step-by-step guide to canceling HomePay ($75/mo Premium) and switching to NannyKeeper ($10/mo). Save $780/year on nanny payroll with a smooth transition.
Going on maternity leave? Your nanny tax obligations don't pause. What happens to payroll, the dependent care credit, and taxes across 4 scenarios.
When you move to a new state mid-year, your nanny taxes change. Here's the exact timeline for state registration, W-2 splits, and quarterly filings.
Workers' compensation for household employers: which states require it, what it costs ($200–$500/year), where to buy it, and what happens without it.
Your nanny gave notice or left unexpectedly. Here's what to handle in 30 days: final paycheck, accrued PTO, W-2, Schedule H, and state notifications.
Hiring a nanny just for the summer? You may still owe taxes. Here's the threshold math, what to set up before day one, and how to wrap up when summer ends.
Ready to start paying your nanny legally? Here's a step-by-step guide to making the switch—including how to talk to your nanny and handle the pay adjustment.
Your nanny earns 1.5x pay after 40 hours per week — but live-in nannies may be exempt. Here's how federal and state overtime rules work for household employers.
Hired a night nurse or newborn care specialist? At $250–400/night, you'll cross the $3,000 tax threshold in under two weeks. Here's exactly what you owe.
Can you pay your adult child to care for an aging parent? Yes—but normal employment taxes apply. Here's the full tax breakdown, plus Medicaid options.
Hiring a household manager, estate manager, or personal assistant? They're household employees. Here's the full tax breakdown for high-value domestic staff.
Hired a postpartum doula? If they work in your home on a regular schedule, they're likely your employee—not a contractor. Here's how the IRS draws the line.
Realized your babysitter has been paid over $3,000 this year? A step-by-step action plan to get compliant—plus the tax credit that might cover your costs.
If you paid a home caregiver $3,000+ in 2026, you must issue a W-2 by January 31. A box-by-box walkthrough and what to do if you're behind.
Families paying for elder care can claim medical expense deductions and the Dependent Care Credit. Who qualifies, how much you can save, and how to claim.
State taxes for housekeepers vary wildly. See SUTA rates, income tax rules, and workers' comp requirements for CA, NY, TX, FL, and 8 other common states.
Your spouse can be your household employee—and the tax treatment is surprisingly favorable. No Social Security, no Medicare, no FUTA. How it works and what you still need to file.
Hired a private tutor for your child? If they work in your home on your schedule, they may be your household employee. How to tell—and what taxes you'd owe.
Paying your mom or dad to watch the kids? Yes, and the tax rules are actually in your favor. What applies, what's exempt, and why it's a win-win.
Paying your parent to watch your kids? FICA taxes apply, but FUTA is often exempt. How the tax rules work, plus real examples with actual numbers.
Hiring a caregiver directly vs through an agency changes who handles taxes. How tax responsibility, cost, and flexibility compare for each option.
The IRS has clear rules for classifying house cleaners. Most regular cleaners are employees—not contractors. How to tell, with real scenarios.
What does it actually cost to pay your housekeeper legally? We break down the real numbers—employer taxes, payroll fees, and credits that offset the cost.
Do you owe taxes for your babysitter? It depends on how often you pay them—and how much. How to tell if your babysitter is regular or occasional for tax purposes.
Which taxes apply when you hire a family member? Complete guide to spousal, child, and parent exemptions for household employment—with a full comparison matrix.
SurePayroll charges $39/month for nanny payroll. We review the real costs, filing reliability, support access, and compare it to NannyKeeper at $10/mo.
Nest Payroll charges $42-49/month for nanny payroll but doesn't offer direct deposit. We review the real costs, features, and a self-service alternative at $10/mo.
Paying your nanny cash under the table? Here's how families get caught, the real IRS penalties (up to 25%), and what it actually costs to get compliant.
Your nanny filed for unemployment and you got a letter. Here's what happens next, how to respond, FUTA/SUTA basics, and what to do if you weren't paying taxes.
How common are nanny tax audits? What triggers them, how far back the IRS can look, and what to do if it happens. Plus how to audit-proof your household payroll.
Most families give their nanny a 3–5% annual raise. Here's how to pick the right amount based on experience, duties, and market—plus what it means for taxes.
What every nanny employment agreement should include — pay, schedule, time off, overtime, and the tax details most templates miss. Free contract builder included.
Yes, but it doesn't change your tax obligations. Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App don't replace payroll—here's what you still need to do as a household employer.
Live-in nanny tax rules differ from live-out: room and board is tax-free, overtime rules change, and the new overtime deduction doesn't apply. Here's what you need to know.
If you pay a senior caregiver or home health aide $3,000+ per year, you're a household employer. Here's exactly what taxes you owe and how to set up payroll.
No federal law requires nanny PTO, but most families offer 5–15 paid days per year. Here's how to create a fair policy and what your state may require.
Just hired a nanny? Here's your complete step-by-step checklist—from getting an EIN to filing your first W-2. No tax experience required.
A plain-language guide to nanny taxes from the nanny's perspective. What gets withheld from your paycheck, why it matters, and how it protects your future.
Your W-2 isn't just a tax form. It's proof of income, a retirement builder, and a safety net. Here's why every nanny should insist on getting one.
A practical, non-confrontational guide for nannies who want to be paid on the books. Scripts, talking points, and advice for a conversation that benefits everyone.
If you pay a housekeeper $3,000+ per year, you owe employment taxes. Here's how to set up payroll, what taxes apply, and the easiest way to stay compliant.
Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr, but 30 states require more for nannies. Full 2026 table for all 50 states plus DC, with overtime and live-in rules.
Compare 8 nanny payroll services for 2026: HomePay, GTM, SurePayroll, Poppins, Nest, Gusto, Savvy Nanny, and NannyKeeper. Pricing, features, and pros/cons.
GTM Payroll charges $70/month for full-service nanny payroll. We break down the real costs, what you get, and a self-service alternative starting at $10/mo.
The 'no tax on overtime' rule lets your nanny deduct up to $12,500 in overtime pay from federal taxes. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and what you report.
Your nanny employer taxes total roughly 8-10% of wages. Here's the exact breakdown: Social Security, Medicare, FUTA, SUTA, and what it costs with real numbers.
Employed a nanny in 2026? W-2s are due January 31, Schedule H goes on your 1040. Full checklist with deadlines, forms, and state-specific requirements.
Sharing a nanny? Both families are separate employers with separate tax obligations. Here's how to handle W-2s, thresholds, overtime, and cost splitting correctly.
The true cost of hiring a nanny legally is about 9-12% more than their hourly rate. Here's exactly what you'll pay in taxes, insurance, and fees—plus what happens if you don't.
Paid your nanny under the table? Here's exactly what you owe (with real numbers), IRS penalty calculations, and a step-by-step plan to get compliant.
Nanny wages aren't tax deductible, but you can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit worth up to $3,000. Here's how it works and how to maximize your savings.
Fill out Schedule H correctly with this line-by-line guide. Covers Part I (FICA), Part II (FUTA), and Part III (totals). Includes real examples and common errors.
Complete NY nanny tax guide: state withholding, SDI, mandatory workers comp, SUI, and compliance requirements. Includes deadlines, registration steps, and cost examples.
Texas nanny tax guide: No state income tax means simpler payroll. Learn federal requirements, TWC unemployment, registration steps, and why Texas is one of the easiest states.
Complete guide to California nanny taxes: SDI, PFL, SUI, ETT, and state income tax withholding. Includes deadlines, registration steps, and real-world cost examples.
Do you owe taxes for your babysitter? Only if you pay them $3,000+ in 2026. Here's how to tell if you've crossed the threshold—and what to do about it.
Your complete 2026 nanny tax calendar: quarterly payment dates, W-2 deadline (Jan 31), Schedule H (Apr 15), plus state deadlines for CA, NY, TX, and more.
Wondering what nanny taxes will cost you in 2026? Here's a breakdown of employer costs, employee withholding, and how to calculate your total obligation.
Need to create a W-2 for your nanny or housekeeper? Step-by-step guide covering what goes in each box, the Jan 31 deadline, and how to file with SSA for free.
These common nanny payroll errors can lead to back taxes, penalties, and legal trouble. Here's what to avoid—and how to fix it if you've already made them.
Schedule H explained in plain English: which boxes to fill, how to calculate your nanny taxes, and common mistakes to avoid. 2026 line-by-line examples.
HomePay's Premium plan is $75/month ($900/year) for full-service nanny payroll. We compare both tiers and a $10/mo alternative for all 50 states.
Poppins Payroll charges $49/month for nanny payroll with year-end docs included. We review the real costs, features, and a self-service alternative at $10/mo.
You owe nanny taxes when you pay a household employee above the annual threshold. For 2026, that's $3,000. Here's exactly how the threshold works, common scenarios, and what happens when you cross it.
Employed a nanny in 2025? W-2s were due January 31. Schedule H goes on your 1040. Full checklist with deadlines, forms, and state-specific requirements.
Need an EIN as a household employer? Good news—it's free and takes about 5 minutes online. Here's exactly how to apply on the IRS website, step by step.
Nanny or au pair? The tax rules are completely different. With a nanny, you're the employer. With an au pair, it's a cultural exchange. Here's how each works.
What happens if you don't pay nanny taxes? Back taxes, penalties, and interest add up fast. Here's what you're risking—and how to get back on track if you're behind.
Stop writing checks every week. Set up direct deposit for your nanny—what you need, how long it takes, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What changed for nanny taxes in 2026? The threshold is now $3,000 (up from $2,800), plus new Social Security wage bases. Here's what it means for you.
Your Q1 2026 nanny tax checklist: January 15 estimated payment, January 31 W-2 deadline, April 15 quarterly taxes. State deadlines and penalty tips included.
Your year-end nanny tax checklist: verify total wages, confirm withholdings, prep W-2 info, and get ready for Schedule H. Complete this before December 31.
New to nanny taxes? The $3,000 threshold, 7.65% FICA rate, quarterly deadlines, and W-2 filing—everything you need to know in plain English.
Can you call your nanny an independent contractor? Almost certainly not. The IRS has clear rules, and misclassifying can mean back taxes and penalties.
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