Delaware Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Delaware. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Delaware employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
DE SUTA
0.1% - 8%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for Delaware household employers
- Minimum wage: $7.25/hour. That is the federal floor, because the state's own rate does not cover nannies. (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Delaware Paid Leave is optional for household employers
- Delaware's $15.00/hour minimum does not cover nannies. The federal $7.25/hour floor applies.
Delaware nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Delaware nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in Delaware, 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
- Delaware SUTA: 0.1% - 8%
- Delaware state income tax (when withheld)
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Delaware require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Usually not. Delaware 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 Delaware'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 Delaware?
At least $7.25 an hour for a nanny in Delaware.
- Delaware has its own minimum wage of $15.00/hour, but it does not cover nannies, so the federal floor governs instead
- 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
19 Del. C. § 901(3)b
Does Delaware add disability or paid family leave premiums?
No. Delaware does not require state disability insurance or paid family leave for household employees.
- Your obligations are the federal baseline: FICA, FUTA and Schedule H
- Delaware state unemployment insurance still applies on the employer side
Why does my Delaware 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 Delaware 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
- Delaware income tax, if your nanny elected it on the state W-4
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
Delaware Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for DE household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Delaware compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Delaware Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with DE-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper calculates Delaware taxes on every paycheck
All DE tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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