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
0.2% - 5.88%
new employer rate range
Key facts for Washington household employers
- Minimum wage: $16.66/hour (compare nationwide)
- No state income tax — simpler payroll
- Paid family leave program in effect
- No state income tax
- Paid Family and Medical Leave program
Washington nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Washington nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in Washington: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and Washington SUTA (0.2% - 5.88%). It also factors in Washington paid family leave premium. Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Washington require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Washington has no state income tax. There is nothing to withhold from your nanny's paycheck on the state side. You still owe federal FICA, FUTA, and Schedule H, plus Washington's unemployment insurance obligations.
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Washington?
Washington's minimum wage is $16.66/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 Washington add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes for 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 employer and employee. You register and remit separately from unemployment insurance.
Why does my Washington nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In Washington, 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 the employee-side share of Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and the WA Cares Fund long-term care 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
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 handles Washington taxes automatically
All WA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
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