Which taxes apply? It depends on who you hire
The IRS treats different family relationships differently. Here's the full picture.
| Relationship | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Varies | ||||
| Child under 21 | Varies | ||||
| Child 21+ | |||||
| Parent (caring for your child under 18) | Varies | ||||
| Parent (other situations) | |||||
| Other relative |
Tap a tax to learn more
Spouse
Child under 21
Child 21+
Parent (caring for your child under 18)
Parent (other situations)
Other relative
Tap any tax name to learn what it means. NannyKeeper applies these exemptions automatically when you identify the employee as a family member.
Common family employment scenarios
Three situations we see all the time
Your mom watches your kids
She’s your employee. Social Security and Medicare apply, but she’s exempt from FUTA if your child is under 18. Her wages still count toward her own Social Security credits—which is actually a good thing.
Your spouse helps around the house
Exempt from Social Security, Medicare, and FUTA. But the wages are still reportable income and you’ll withhold federal income tax if they request it on their W-4.
Your adult child (21+) cares for grandma
Standard employment rules apply. Once your child turns 21, all the family exemptions for children go away. Same taxes as any other household employee.
Paying a parent to watch your kids
This is the most common family employment arrangement—and the one with the most questions.
What taxes apply
- Social Security & Medicare — Yes, FICA taxes apply. You each pay your share (6.2% SS + 1.45% Medicare).
- FUTA — Exempt if your child (their grandchild) is under 18 or has a disability.
- Income tax — Their wages are reportable income. Withhold if they request it.
Why it's worth doing right
- Every dollar you pay builds their Social Security credits for retirement
- You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your return
- Clear records protect both of you if the IRS ever asks questions
- They may qualify for unemployment benefits if the arrangement ends
Why pay a family member on the books?
It's not about compliance fear—it's about the real benefits for both of you.
They build Social Security credits
Every paycheck adds to their retirement benefits. For a parent nearing retirement, this can make a real difference in their monthly Social Security check.
You can claim the tax credit
The Child and Dependent Care Credit lets you write off up to $3,000 for one qualifying person ($6,000 for two or more) in care expenses. But only if you report the wages.
They qualify for unemployment
If the childcare arrangement ends—kids start school, your parent can’t continue—they may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Clear records protect everyone
Proper payroll means proper documentation. If the IRS has questions, you’ll have W-2s, pay stubs, and Schedule H to show everything was done right.
How NannyKeeper handles family employee taxes
We know the rules so you don't have to
Automatic Exemptions
We apply the right tax exemptions based on the family relationship you identify. Spouse, child, parent—each gets the correct treatment automatically.
Accurate Tax Calculations
Every paycheck calculated to the penny, including the exemptions that apply to your specific family situation.
Never-Miss Reminders
Email alerts before every deadline—with the family exemptions already factored in. No guesswork.
Built-In Direct Deposit
Funds transfer automatically on payday. No checks to write or bank runs.
W-2s & Schedule H
Year-end documents generated automatically with the correct wage and tax figures reflecting any family member exemptions.
We Handle Your EIN
Need an Employer ID Number? We apply with the IRS on your behalf—no forms to navigate yourself.
We handle payroll for all types of household employees
Not sure what you owe for a family employee?
Family exemptions change the math. Our free calculator factors in the relationship and shows you exactly what taxes apply—and which ones don't.
Calculate What You OweFree. No signup required.
Hiring a caregiver who isn’t family? See the standard caregiver tax guide.
Family employee tax questions
Yes—if you’re paying her regularly and she’s working in your home, she’s a household employee. You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit (up to $3,000 for one child, $6,000 for two or more) as long as you report her wages properly. You can’t claim the credit if you pay cash under the table.