California Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in California. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
California employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
CA SUTA
1.5% - 6.2%
new employer rate range
Key facts for California household employers
- Minimum wage: $16.50/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- State disability insurance applies
- Paid family leave program in effect
- You'll withhold state income tax from each paycheck
- Your employee gets disability and paid family leave benefits
California nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate California nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in California: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and California SUTA (1.5% - 6.2%). It also factors in California state income tax (when withheld), California disability insurance, California paid family leave premium. Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does California require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
California has a state income tax. Withholding from household employees is typically optional unless your nanny elects it on the state's W-4 equivalent. If they do elect withholding, you will owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes copies of the W-2 you issued.
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in California?
California's minimum wage is $16.50/hour, above the federal $7.25 floor. Household employees must be paid at least this rate. FLSA overtime (1.5x for hours over 40 in a week) applies to most household employees. Live-in nannies are FLSA-exempt from overtime but not from minimum wage.
Does California add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes. California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL), both administered by EDD apply to household employees. Both are typically funded by employee-side withholding (some states add an employer contribution). You register separately from state unemployment insurance and remit on the state's schedule — usually quarterly. Missing this registration is a common audit finding.
Why does my California nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In California, the gross-to-net difference comes from federal FICA (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65% withheld from the employee), any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld, plus California state income tax if elected on the state W-4, plus the employee-side share of California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL), both administered by EDD. Your share — the employer FICA match and FUTA + SUTA — sits on top of the gross, not subtracted from it. The calculator separates "employer cost" (your total outlay) from "employee net pay" (what lands in their bank account).
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax obligations may vary. Always verify current rates with your state's tax agency or consult a qualified tax professional.
Learn more
California Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for CA household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how California compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
California Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with CA-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper handles California taxes automatically
All CA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
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