The NannyKeeper Blog

Guides, tips, and insights for household employers and nannies

Elder Care Tax Benefits for Families

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.

February 22, 2026

15 min read

Tax Guides

Regular vs Occasional Babysitter Taxes

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.

February 22, 2026

6 min read

Tax Guides

Private Tutor Taxes: Employee or Contractor?

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.

February 22, 2026

8 min read

Tax Guides

Paying Your Spouse as a Household Employee

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.

February 22, 2026

6 min read

Tax Guides

Housekeeper Taxes by State

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.

February 22, 2026

12 min read

How-To

Cost to Pay a Housekeeper Legally

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.

February 22, 2026

9 min read

How-To

House Cleaner: Employee or Contractor?

The IRS has clear rules for classifying house cleaners. Most regular cleaners are employees—not contractors. How to tell, with real scenarios.

February 22, 2026

10 min read

Tax Guides

Home Caregiver vs Agency: Tax Differences

Hiring a caregiver directly vs through an agency changes who handles taxes. How tax responsibility, cost, and flexibility compare for each option.

February 22, 2026

12 min read

Tax Guides

Hiring Your Parent as a Caregiver

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.

February 22, 2026

10 min read

How-To

Babysitter Crossed the Threshold?

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.

February 22, 2026

6 min read

Tax Guides

Can I Pay My Mom to Babysit? Tax Rules

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.

February 22, 2026

9 min read

Tax Filing

Caregiver W-2: What Your Home Aide Needs

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.

February 22, 2026

13 min read

Tax Guides

Family Employee Tax Exemptions Guide

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.

February 22, 2026

11 min read

Tax Guides

Your Nanny Filed for Unemployment. Now What?

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.

February 20, 2026

9 min read

Comparison

SurePayroll Nanny Review 2026: Is $39/mo Worth It?

SurePayroll charges $39/month for nanny payroll. We review the real costs, features, Paychex backing, and compare it to a self-service alternative at $10/mo.

February 20, 2026

9 min read

Comparison

Nest Payroll Review 2026: Is $42/mo Worth It?

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.

February 20, 2026

9 min read

Tax Guides

Can You Get Audited for Nanny 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.

February 20, 2026

10 min read

Tax Guides

Paying Your Nanny Under the Table? Read This

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.

February 20, 2026

9 min read

How-To

How Much Raise to Give Your Nanny

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.

February 18, 2026

8 min read

How-To

Nanny Contract Essentials

What every nanny employment agreement should include — pay, schedule, time off, overtime, and the tax details most templates miss. Free contract builder included.

February 17, 2026

9 min read

Tax Guides

Live-In Nanny Taxes: Room and Board Rules

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.

February 16, 2026

10 min read

How-To

Can You Pay Your Nanny Through Venmo or Zelle?

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.

February 16, 2026

9 min read

How-To

Nanny PTO: How to Handle Paid Time Off, Vacation & Sick Days

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.

February 15, 2026

9 min read

How-To

First-Time Nanny Employer Checklist: Everything You Need to Do

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.

February 15, 2026

9 min read

How-To

Senior Caregiver Payroll: How to Pay a Home Caregiver Legally

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.

February 15, 2026

9 min read

For Nannies

Why Your W-2 Matters More Than You Think

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.

February 10, 2026

5 min read

For Nannies

What Nannies Should Know About Taxes in 2026

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.

February 10, 2026

4 min read

For Nannies

How to Talk to Your Employer About Legal Pay

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.

February 10, 2026

5 min read

Tax Guides

Nanny Minimum Wage by State 2026 (Complete Guide)

Federal minimum wage is $7.25, but many states require more. See the 2026 minimum wage for nannies in all 50 states plus DC, with overtime rules.

February 9, 2026

7 min read

Tax Guides

No Tax on Overtime for Nannies: What to Know

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.

February 9, 2026

11 min read

Comparison

Best Nanny Payroll Services 2026: 6 Compared

Compare the top nanny payroll services for 2026. HomePay, GTM, SurePayroll, Poppins, Nest, and NannyKeeper—pricing, features, and which one fits your family.

February 9, 2026

11 min read

Comparison

GTM Payroll Review 2026: Is $70/mo Worth It?

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.

February 9, 2026

8 min read

How-To

Housekeeper Payroll: How to Pay Your House Cleaner Legally

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.

February 9, 2026

6 min read

Tax Guides

What Taxes Do I Owe as a Nanny Employer? (2026 Breakdown)

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.

February 9, 2026

8 min read

Tax Guides

What Does It Cost to Hire a Nanny Legally?

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.

February 3, 2026

12 min read

Tax Filing

IRS Schedule H Instructions 2026: Line-by-Line Guide

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.

February 3, 2026

17 min read

Tax Guides

Are Nanny Taxes Deductible? Child Care Credit Explained

Nanny wages aren't tax deductible, but you can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit worth up to $2,100. Here's how it works and how to maximize your savings.

February 3, 2026

11 min read

Tax Filing

How to File Your 2026 Nanny Taxes: W-2, Schedule H & State Forms

Employed a nanny in 2026? Here's your complete tax filing checklist: W-2s by January 31, Schedule H with your 1040, plus state forms. Step-by-step guidance included.

February 3, 2026

6 min read

Tax Guides

Nanny Share Taxes: How Two Families Handle Payroll

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.

February 3, 2026

12 min read

Tax Guides

How to Catch Up on Back Nanny Taxes

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.

February 3, 2026

14 min read

State Guides

New York Nanny Tax Guide for 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Complete NY nanny tax guide: state withholding, SDI, mandatory workers comp, SUI, and compliance requirements. Includes deadlines, registration steps, and cost examples.

February 1, 2026

14 min read

State Guides

Texas Nanny Tax Guide for 2026: Simpler Than You Think

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.

February 1, 2026

15 min read

State Guides

California Nanny Tax Guide for 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Complete guide to California nanny taxes: SDI, PFL, SUI, ETT, and state income tax withholding. Includes deadlines, registration steps, and real-world cost examples.

February 1, 2026

14 min read

Tax Filing

Nanny Tax Deadlines 2026: Quarterly Payment Schedule

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.

January 20, 2026

8 min read

Tax Guides

Do I Need to Pay Taxes for My Babysitter?

Do you owe taxes for your babysitter? Only if you pay them above the annual threshold ($3,000 for 2026). Here's how to tell if you've crossed the threshold—and what to do if you have.

January 20, 2026

5 min read

Tax Guides

Nanny Tax Calculator 2026: What You'll Actually Owe

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.

January 18, 2026

4 min read

Tax Filing

W-2 for Household Employees (2026): Complete Filing Guide

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.

January 18, 2026

10 min read

Tax Guides

5 Nanny Payroll Mistakes That Cost Families Thousands

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.

January 16, 2026

5 min read

Tax Filing

Schedule H: A Friendly Guide for Household Employers (2026)

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.

January 15, 2026

8 min read

Comparison

HomePay Review 2026: Is $75/mo Worth It?

HomePay charges $75/month plus $100 in year-end fees for nanny payroll. We review the real costs, pros, cons, and a self-service alternative at $10/mo.

January 14, 2026

7 min read

Comparison

Poppins Payroll Review 2026: Is $49/mo Worth It?

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.

January 12, 2026

7 min read

Tax Guides

The $3,000 Nanny Tax Threshold Explained (2026)

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.

January 10, 2026

5 min read

Tax Filing

How to File Your 2025 Nanny Taxes: W-2, Schedule H & State Forms

Employed a nanny in 2025? Here's your complete tax filing checklist: W-2s by January 31, Schedule H with your 1040, plus state forms. Step-by-step guidance included.

January 10, 2026

6 min read

How-To

How to Get an EIN for Household Employment

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.

January 8, 2026

4 min read

Tax Guides

Nanny vs Au Pair: Tax Differences Explained

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.

January 6, 2026

5 min read

Tax Guides

What Happens If You Don't Pay Nanny Taxes?

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.

January 4, 2026

5 min read

How-To

Direct Deposit for Nannies: Setup Guide

Stop writing checks every week. Set up direct deposit for your nanny—what bank info you need, how long it takes, and how to avoid common mistakes.

January 2, 2026

4 min read

Tax Filing

Q1 2026 Nanny Tax Deadlines: What's Due and When

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.

January 1, 2026

4 min read

Tax Guides

New Nanny Tax Rules for 2026: What Changed

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.

January 1, 2026

5 min read

Tax Filing

Year-End Nanny Tax Checklist: December Prep Guide

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.

December 15, 2025

5 min read

Tax Guides

Nanny Taxes 2026: The Complete Guide for Household Employers

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.

January 15, 2025

8 min read

Tax Guides

Nanny vs. Contractor: Why Your Nanny Is an Employee

Can you call your nanny an independent contractor? Almost certainly not. The IRS has clear rules, and misclassifying can mean back taxes and penalties.

January 10, 2025

5 min read

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