Maine Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Maine. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Maine employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
ME SUTA
0.22% - 5.4%
new employer rate range
Key facts for Maine household employers
- Minimum wage: $14.65/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Paid family leave program in effect
- Progressive state income tax (5.8% - 7.15%)
- Paid Family and Medical Leave program
Maine nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Maine nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in Maine: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and Maine SUTA (0.22% - 5.4%). It also factors in Maine state income tax (when withheld), Maine paid family leave premium. Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Maine require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Maine 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 Maine?
Maine's minimum wage is $14.65/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 Maine add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes for paid family leave. Maine's paid family leave program covers household employees. Funding rules vary — some states are employee-funded, some split employer and employee. You register and remit separately from unemployment insurance.
Why does my Maine nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In Maine, 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 Maine state income tax if elected on the state W-4, plus the employee-side share of Maine's disability/PFL premium. 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
NannyKeeper handles Maine taxes automatically
All ME tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
Get Started FreeNo credit card required