Washington Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Washington. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Washington employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
WA SUTA
0.27% - 6.03%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for Washington household employers
- Minimum wage: $17.13/hour (compare nationwide)
- No state income tax, simpler payroll
- Paid family leave program in effect
- Paid Family and Medical Leave program
- High SUI wage base ($78,200)
Washington nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Washington nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in Washington, 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
- Washington SUTA: 0.27% - 6.03%
- Washington paid family leave premium
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Washington require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
No. Washington has no state income tax, so there is nothing to withhold and no state return for your nanny to file.
- You still owe the federal baseline: FICA, FUTA and Schedule H
- Washington unemployment insurance still applies on the employer side
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Washington?
At least $17.13 an hour for a nanny in Washington.
- That is Washington'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 Washington add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes, paid family leave. Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and the WA Cares Fund long-term care premium 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 Washington 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 Washington 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
- Their share of Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and the WA Cares Fund long-term care 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
Washington Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for WA household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Washington compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Washington Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with WA-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper calculates Washington taxes on every paycheck
All WA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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