Minnesota Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Minnesota. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Minnesota employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
MN SUTA
0% - 8.9%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for Minnesota household employers
- Minimum wage: $11.41/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Paid family leave program in effect
- Paid Family and Medical Leave program active (2026)
- High SUI wage base ($44,000)
Minnesota nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Minnesota nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in Minnesota, 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
- Minnesota SUTA: 0% - 8.9%
- Minnesota state income tax (when withheld)
- Minnesota paid family leave premium
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Minnesota require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Usually not. Minnesota 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 Minnesota'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 Minnesota?
At least $11.41 an hour for a nanny in Minnesota.
- That is Minnesota'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 Minnesota add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes, paid family leave. Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (starting 2026) 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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
- Minnesota income tax, if your nanny elected it on the state W-4
- Their share of Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (starting 2026)
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
Minnesota Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for MN household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Minnesota compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Minnesota Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with MN-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper calculates Minnesota taxes on every paycheck
All MN tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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