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%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for California household employers
- Minimum wage: $16.90/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- State disability insurance applies
- NannyKeeper handles all the calculations automatically
California nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate California nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in California, on top of your nanny's wages.
- Federal FICA: 15.3% combined, split between you and your nanny
- Federal FUTA: 0.6% effective on the first $7,000
- California SUTA: 1.5% - 6.2%
- California state income tax (when withheld)
- California disability insurance
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does California require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Usually not. California has a state income tax, but withholding it from a household employee is optional unless your nanny asks for it.
- It is usually optional, and your nanny elects it on California's W-4 equivalent
- If they do elect it, you owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes the W-2 you issued
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in California?
At least $16.90 an hour for a nanny in California.
- That is California's own minimum wage, above the federal $7.25 floor
- Some cities and counties may set a higher floor, so check your locality before you set a rate
- Overtime is 1.5x pay for hours over 40 in a week, under the FLSA
- Live-in nannies are exempt from FLSA overtime, but not from minimum wage
Does California add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes, disability insurance. California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL), both administered by EDD covers household employees.
- Funding is usually employee-side withholding
- You register and remit for it separately from unemployment insurance
Why does my California nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
Because they answer different questions. The calculator's employer total is what leaves your account; net pay is what lands in your California nanny's.
- Federal FICA: 6.2% Social Security plus 1.45% Medicare, so 7.65% off the top
- Any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld
- California income tax, if your nanny elected it on the state W-4
- Their share of California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL), both administered by EDD
Your own share, the employer FICA match plus FUTA and SUTA, sits on top of gross pay rather than coming out of it.
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 calculates California taxes on every paycheck
All CA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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