District of Columbia Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in District of Columbia. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
District of Columbia employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
DC SUTA
1% - 7%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for District of Columbia household employers
- Minimum wage: $18.40/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Paid family leave program in effect
- No additional local taxes
District of Columbia nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate District of Columbia nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in District of Columbia, 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
- District of Columbia SUTA: 1% - 7%
- District of Columbia state income tax (when withheld)
- District of Columbia paid family leave premium
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does District of Columbia require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Usually not. District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia'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 District of Columbia?
At least $18.40 an hour for a nanny in District of Columbia.
- That is District of Columbia'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 District of Columbia add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes, paid family leave. District of Columbia's paid family leave program covers household employees.
- Funding rules vary: some states are employee-funded, some split it between employer and employee
- You register and remit for it separately from unemployment insurance
Why does my District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia 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
- District of Columbia income tax, if your nanny elected it on the state W-4
- Their share of District of Columbia's disability or paid family leave premium
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
District of Columbia Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for DC household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how District of Columbia compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
District of Columbia Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with DC-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper calculates District of Columbia taxes on every paycheck
All DC tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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