Virginia Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Virginia. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Virginia employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
VA SUTA
0.01% - 6.32%
new employer rate range
Key facts for Virginia household employers
- Minimum wage: $12.41/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Progressive state income tax (2% - 5.75%)
- State minimum wage is $12.41/hour
Virginia nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Virginia nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in Virginia: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and Virginia SUTA (0.01% - 6.32%). It also factors in Virginia state income tax (when withheld). Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Virginia require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
Virginia's minimum wage is $12.41/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 Virginia add disability or paid family leave premiums?
No. Virginia does not require state disability insurance or paid family leave for household employees. Your obligations are the federal baseline (FICA, FUTA, Schedule H) plus Virginia state unemployment insurance.
Why does my Virginia nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In Virginia, 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 Virginia state income tax if elected on the state W-4. 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
Virginia Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for VA household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Virginia compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Virginia Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with VA-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper handles Virginia taxes automatically
All VA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
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