Nanny Tax Guides &amp; Resources

Tax GuidesBabysittercalculator

Babysitter Tax Calculator (2026): What You'll Owe

Free babysitter tax calculator for 2026. See FICA (7.65%), the $3,000 threshold, and exactly what employer + employee owe on any babysitter wage.

May 14, 2026

Tax FilingW-2Year-End

W-2 for Household Employees: 2026 Filing Guide

A step-by-step W-2 filing guide for 2026 household wages: $3,000 threshold, Feb 1, 2027 deadline (Jan 31 falls on Sunday), and the new mandatory OBBBA Code TT.

May 5, 2026

15 min read

Nanny DBL & PFL in New York: 2026 Guide

Hired a nanny in NY? You owe Disability Benefits Law (DBL) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) premiums to a private carrier, not the state. 2026 rates and coverage.

May 4, 2026

Nanny TDB & FLI in New Jersey: 2026 Guide

Hired a nanny in NJ? Temporary Disability (TDB) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) come out of every paycheck. Here's the 2026 cost split and how it all works.

HomePay vs SurePayroll 2026: Which One Wins?

HomePay charges $59-$75/month, SurePayroll charges $39/month. Both file your nanny taxes. Side-by-side comparison on price, support, and what each is built for.

April 29, 2026

Tax FilingformsYear-End

Every Form You Need as a Household Employer (2026)

Eight forms cover the household-employer year — W-4, I-9, SS-4, W-2, W-3, Schedule H, W-2c, and Form 843. Here's when you need each and where to file.

April 29, 2026

Minnesota Paid Leave for Nannies (2026)

Minnesota Paid Leave covers nannies in 2026. Small-employer families pay 0.66% total, deduct 0.44% from the nanny, and file quarterly at ui.mn.gov by April 30.

April 20, 2026

Washington Paid Leave for Nannies (2026)

Washington Paid Leave covers nannies in 2026 at 1.13% of wages. Families under 50 employees pay zero employer share and only withhold 0.81% from the nanny.

April 20, 2026

How-ToComparisonPayroll

How to Switch from SurePayroll to NannyKeeper

How to cancel SurePayroll and switch to NannyKeeper. What to download before you leave, how to transfer YTD data mid-year, and save $300+/year.

April 10, 2026

How-Totime-trackingGetting Started

How to Track Your Nanny's Hours (2026)

The simplest way to track your nanny's hours — no app downloads, no spreadsheets. Free tool that works on any phone with automatic overtime calculation.

April 5, 2026

Guidesprofessionalcpa

How to Manage Nanny Payroll for Multiple Families

A guide for CPAs, bookkeepers, and tax preparers managing household employer payroll across multiple client families.

April 1, 2026

Tutorialapidevelopers

Calculate nanny taxes with Python

Step-by-step Python tutorial for calculating household employer taxes using the NannyKeeper API. All 50 states, 10 lines of code.

We built a free nanny tax API

NannyKeeper has a public REST API and MCP server for calculating household employer taxes in all 50 states. Free tier, no credit card.

Add nanny taxes to your AI agent

Set up the NannyKeeper MCP server so Claude or ChatGPT can calculate household employer taxes for all 50 US states. Free, 5 minutes.

March 31, 2026

Paid Family Leave for Nannies: 2026 Guide

13 states plus DC require paid family leave that covers household employees. See which states apply, contribution rates, and what you owe as the employer.

HomePay vs GTM Payroll 2026: Which Saves You More?

HomePay Premium is $75/mo ($900/year). GTM is $70/mo ($840/year). We compare pricing, features, filing service, and a $100/year self-service option.

March 25, 2026

ComparisonGetting StartedFICA

How Much Does Nanny Payroll Cost in 2026?

Nanny payroll costs $10–$75/month depending on the service, plus 9–12% in employer taxes. Here's the full cost breakdown with a free calculator.

March 24, 2026

How-ToGetting StartedFICA

How to Pay Your Nanny Legally in 2026

A step-by-step guide to paying your nanny on the books. Get an EIN, set up withholding, pay quarterly taxes, and file year-end forms—all in plain English.

HomePay vs Poppins Payroll 2026: Which Saves More?

HomePay Premium is $75/mo ($900/yr), Poppins is $49/mo ($588/yr). Both file your nanny taxes. We compare pricing, features, and a $10/mo alternative.

March 18, 2026

How-ToComparisonPayroll

How to Switch from HomePay to NannyKeeper

Step-by-step guide to canceling HomePay ($75/mo Premium) and switching to NannyKeeper ($10/mo). Save $780/year on nanny payroll with a smooth transition.

Nanny Taxes During Maternity Leave

Going on maternity leave? Your nanny tax obligations don't pause. What happens to payroll, the dependent care credit, and taxes across 4 scenarios.

March 17, 2026

Tax GuidesPayrollGetting Started

Moving States? Your Nanny Tax Checklist

When you move to a new state mid-year, your nanny taxes change. Here's the exact timeline for state registration, W-2 splits, and quarterly filings.

March 17, 2026

Tax GuidesGetting Started

Workers' Comp for Nanny Employers

Workers' compensation for household employers: which states require it, what it costs ($200–$500/year), where to buy it, and what happens without it.

When Your Nanny Leaves: Final Pay & Tax Wrap-Up

Your nanny gave notice or left unexpectedly. Here's what to handle in 30 days: final paycheck, accrued PTO, W-2, Schedule H, and state notifications.

March 12, 2026

Tax GuidesThresholdFICA

Summer Nanny Taxes 2026: What to Know Before June

Hiring a nanny just for the summer? You may still owe taxes. The 2026 threshold math, what to set up before day one, and how to wrap up when summer ends.

March 4, 2026

How-ToGetting StartedFICA

How to Switch From Paying Your Nanny Cash

Ready to start paying your nanny legally? Here's a step-by-step guide to making the switch—including how to talk to your nanny and handle the pay adjustment.

Nanny Overtime Rules Explained (2026)

Your nanny earns 1.5x pay after 40 hours per week — but live-in nannies may be exempt. Here's how federal and state overtime rules work for household employers.

March 2, 2026

Tax GuidesThresholdnewborn-care

Night Nurse Taxes: What New Parents Owe

Hired a night nurse or newborn care specialist? At $250–400/night, you'll cross the $3,000 tax threshold in under two weeks. Here's exactly what you owe.

Tax GuidesCaregiverfamily-member

Paying Your Adult Child as a Caregiver

Can you pay your adult child to care for an aging parent? Yes—but normal employment taxes apply. Here's the full tax breakdown, plus Medicaid options.

Tax Guideshousehold-managerPayroll

Household Manager Taxes: A Complete Guide

Hiring a household manager, estate manager, or personal assistant? They're household employees. Here's the full tax breakdown for high-value domestic staff.

Tax GuidesEmployee vs Contractordoula

Postpartum Doula: Employee or Contractor?

Hired a postpartum doula? If they work in your home on a regular schedule, they're likely your employee—not a contractor. Here's how the IRS draws the line.

How-ToBabysitterThreshold

Babysitter Crossed the Threshold?

Realized your babysitter has been paid over $3,000 this year? A step-by-step action plan to get compliant—plus the tax credit that might cover your costs.

Tax FilingCaregiverW-2

Caregiver W-2: What Your Home Aide Needs

If you paid a home caregiver $3,000+ in 2026, you must issue a W-2 by January 31. A box-by-box walkthrough and what to do if you're behind.

13 min read

Tax GuidesCaregiverFamily Employee

Elder Care Tax Benefits for Families

Families paying for elder care can claim medical expense deductions and the Dependent Care Credit. Who qualifies, how much you can save, and how to claim.

15 min read

Tax GuidesHousekeeperState Taxes

Housekeeper Taxes by State

State taxes for housekeepers vary wildly. See SUTA rates, income tax rules, and workers' comp requirements for CA, NY, TX, FL, and 8 other common states.

Tax GuidesFamily EmployeeFICA

Paying Your Spouse as a Household Employee

Your spouse can be your household employee with favorable tax treatment: no Social Security, no Medicare, no FUTA. How it works and what to file.

Tax GuidesEmployee vs ContractorThreshold

Private Tutor Taxes: Employee or Contractor?

Hired a private tutor for your child? If they work in your home on your schedule, they may be your household employee. How to tell—and what taxes you'd owe.

Tax GuidesFamily EmployeeBabysitter

Can I Pay My Mom to Babysit? Tax Rules

Paying your mom or dad to watch the kids? Yes, and the tax rules are actually in your favor. What applies, what's exempt, and why it's a win-win.

Tax GuidesFamily EmployeeCaregiver

Hiring Your Parent as a Caregiver

Paying your parent to watch your kids? FICA taxes apply, but FUTA is often exempt. How the tax rules work, plus real examples with actual numbers.

Tax GuidesCaregiverEmployee vs Contractor

Home Caregiver vs Agency: Tax Differences

Hiring a caregiver directly vs through an agency changes who handles taxes. How tax responsibility, cost, and flexibility compare for each option.

How-ToHousekeeperEmployee vs Contractor

House Cleaner: Employee or Contractor?

The IRS has clear rules for classifying house cleaners. Most regular cleaners are employees—not contractors. How to tell, with real scenarios.

How-ToHousekeeperPayroll

Cost to Pay a Housekeeper Legally

What does it actually cost to pay your housekeeper legally? We break down the real numbers—employer taxes, payroll fees, and credits that offset the cost.

Tax GuidesBabysitterThreshold

Regular vs Occasional Babysitter Taxes

Do you owe taxes for your babysitter? Depends on how often and how much you pay. How to tell if yours is regular or occasional for tax purposes.

Tax GuidesFamily EmployeeFICA

Family Employee Tax Exemptions Guide

Which taxes apply when you hire a family member? Complete guide to spousal, child, and parent exemptions for household employment—with a full comparison matrix.

SurePayroll Nanny Review 2026: Is $39/mo Worth It?

SurePayroll charges $39/month for nanny payroll. We review the real costs, filing reliability, support access, and compare it to NannyKeeper at $10/mo.

Nest Payroll Review 2026: Is $42/mo Worth It?

Nest Payroll charges $42-49/month but doesn't offer direct deposit. We review the real costs, features, and a self-service alternative at $10/mo.

Paying Your Nanny Under the Table? Read This

Paying your nanny cash under the table? Here's how families get caught, the real IRS penalties (up to 25%), and what it actually costs to get compliant.

Tax GuidesPenaltiesState Taxes

Your Nanny Filed for Unemployment. Now What?

Your nanny filed for unemployment and you got a letter. Here's what happens next, how to respond, FUTA/SUTA basics, and what to do if you weren't paying taxes.

Can You Get Audited for Nanny Taxes?

How common are nanny tax audits? What triggers them, how far back the IRS can look, what to do if it happens, and how to audit-proof your payroll.

How-ToBenefits & PTOPayroll

How Much Raise to Give Your Nanny

Most families give their nanny a 3–5% annual raise. Here's how to pick the right amount based on experience, duties, and market—plus what it means for taxes.

February 18, 2026

How-ToHiringBenefits & PTO

Nanny Contract Essentials

What every nanny employment agreement should include: pay, schedule, time off, overtime, and tax details most templates miss. Free contract builder.

February 17, 2026

How-ToDirect DepositPayroll

Pay a Nanny or Babysitter via Venmo or Zelle?

Yes, but Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App don't replace payroll for your nanny or babysitter. Here's what you still owe in employment taxes either way.

February 16, 2026

Tax GuidesPayrollFICA

Live-In Nanny Taxes: Room and Board Rules

Live-in nanny rules differ from live-out: room and board is tax-free, overtime rules change, and the new overtime deduction doesn't apply. What to know.

February 16, 2026

How-ToCaregiverPayroll

Senior caregiver payroll: legal pay 2026

If you pay a senior caregiver or home health aide $3,000+ per year, you're a household employer. Here's exactly what taxes you owe and how to set up payroll.

February 15, 2026

How-ToBenefits & PTOHiring

Nanny PTO: vacation, sick, paid time off

No federal law requires nanny PTO, but most families offer 5–15 paid days per year. Here's how to create a fair policy and what your state may require.

February 15, 2026

How-ToGetting StartedHiring

First-time nanny employer checklist (2026)

Just hired a nanny? Here's your complete step-by-step checklist—from getting an EIN to filing your first W-2. No tax experience required.

What Nannies Should Know About Taxes in 2026

A plain-language guide to nanny taxes from the nanny's perspective. What gets withheld from your paycheck, why it matters, and how it protects your future.

February 10, 2026

For NanniesW-2Benefits & PTO

Why Your W-2 Matters More Than You Think

Your W-2 isn't just a tax form. It's proof of income, a retirement builder, and a safety net. Here's why every nanny should insist on getting one.

How to Talk to Your Employer About Legal Pay

A practical, non-confrontational guide for nannies who want legal pay. Scripts, talking points, and advice for a conversation that benefits everyone.

February 10, 2026

How-ToHousekeeperPayroll

Housekeeper payroll: pay your cleaner legally

If you pay a housekeeper $3,000+ per year, you owe employment taxes. Here's how to set up payroll, what taxes apply, and the easiest way to stay compliant.

Tax GuidesState TaxesPayroll

Nanny Minimum Wage by State 2026: All 50 States

Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr, but 30 states require more for nannies. Full 2026 table for all 50 states plus DC, with overtime and live-in rules.

Best Nanny Payroll Services 2026: $100–$900/yr

We compared HomePay, GTM, SurePayroll, Poppins, Nest, Gusto, and NannyKeeper. Annual cost ranges from $100 to $900. The honest ranking and full breakdown.

GTM Payroll Review 2026: Is $70/mo Worth It?

GTM Payroll charges $70/month for full-service nanny payroll. We break down the real costs, what you get, and a self-service alternative starting at $10/mo.

Tax GuidesPayrollFICA

No Tax on Overtime for Nannies: What to Know

The 'no tax on overtime' rule lets your nanny deduct up to $12,500 in overtime pay from federal taxes. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and what you report.

Tax GuidesFICAPayroll

What taxes do I owe as nanny employer?

Your nanny employer taxes total roughly 8-10% of wages. Here's the exact breakdown: Social Security, Medicare, FUTA, SUTA, and what it costs with real numbers.

Tax GuidesPayrollFICA

Nanny Share Taxes: How Two Families Handle Payroll

Sharing a nanny? Both families are separate employers with separate tax obligations. How to handle W-2s, thresholds, overtime, and cost splitting.

Tax FilingYear-EndW-2

Filing Nanny Taxes 2026: W-2 + Schedule H Guide

Employed a nanny in 2026? W-2s are due February 1, 2027. Schedule H goes on your 1040 by April 15. Full checklist with deadlines, forms, and state filings.

Tax GuidesGetting StartedFICA

What Does It Cost to Hire a Nanny Legally?

Hiring a nanny legally costs 9-12% above their hourly rate. The exact breakdown of taxes, insurance, fees—plus what penalties you risk if you don't.

How to Catch Up on Back Nanny Taxes

Paid your nanny under the table? Here's exactly what you owe (with real numbers), IRS penalty calculations, and a step-by-step plan to get compliant.

14 min read

Tax GuidesFICAYear-End

Are nanny taxes deductible? (CDCTC 2026)

Nanny wages aren't tax-deductible, but the Child and Dependent Care Credit (CDCTC) returns up to $3,000. How to claim it and maximize your savings.

New York Nanny Tax Guide for 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Complete NY nanny tax guide: state withholding, SDI, mandatory workers comp, SUI, and compliance requirements. Includes deadlines, registration steps, and cost examples.

Texas Nanny Tax Guide for 2026: Simpler Than You Think

Texas nanny tax guide: No state income tax means simpler payroll. Learn federal requirements, TWC unemployment, registration steps, and why Texas is one of the easiest states.

California Nanny Tax Guide for 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Complete guide to California nanny taxes: SDI, PFL, SUI, ETT, and state income tax withholding. Includes deadlines, registration steps, and real-world cost examples.

February 1, 2026

14 min read

Tax GuidesBabysitterThreshold

Do I Need to Pay Taxes for My Babysitter?

Do you owe taxes for your babysitter? Only if you pay them $3,000+ in 2026. Here's how to tell if you've crossed the threshold—and what to do about it.

January 20, 2026

Tax FilingQuarterly TaxesState Taxes

Nanny tax deadlines 2026: quarterly schedule

Your complete 2026 nanny tax calendar: quarterly payment dates, W-2 deadline (Jan 31), Schedule H (Apr 15), plus state deadlines for CA, NY, TX, and more.

January 20, 2026

Tax GuidesFICAPayroll

Nanny Tax Calculator 2026: How Much You'll Owe

What 2026 nanny taxes really cost: 7.65% FICA, 0.6% FUTA, state SUTA. See the exact employer + employee numbers on $40K wages, with a free 60-second calculator.

January 18, 2026

Tax FilingW-2Year-End

W-2 for household employees (2026 guide)

Need to create a W-2 for your nanny or housekeeper? Step-by-step guide covering what goes in each box, the Jan 31 deadline, and how to file with SSA for free.

January 18, 2026

Tax GuidesPayrollPenalties

5 nanny payroll mistakes that cost thousands

These common nanny payroll errors can lead to back taxes, penalties, and legal trouble. Here's what to avoid—and how to fix it if you've already made them.

January 16, 2026

Tax FilingSchedule HFICA

Schedule H 2026: Line-by-Line for Nanny Employers

IRS Schedule H step by step for 2026: Part I FICA, Part II FUTA, Part III totals. Worked examples for household employers + the most common filing errors.

HomePay review 2026: is $900/yr worth it?

HomePay charges $900/yr Premium ($75/mo) or $708/yr Basic. Honest review of features, hidden fees, and how the $100/yr alternative compares (2026).

Poppins Payroll Review 2026: Is $49/mo Worth It?

Poppins Payroll charges $49/month for nanny payroll with year-end docs included. We review the real costs, features, and a self-service alternative at $10/mo.

January 12, 2026

Tax GuidesThresholdFICA

The $3,000 Nanny Tax Threshold Explained (2026)

You owe nanny taxes when household wages cross $3,000/year (2026 threshold). How it works, scenarios that count, and what happens when you cross it.

January 10, 2026

How-ToEINGetting Started

How to Get an EIN for Household Employment

Need an EIN as a household employer? Good news—it's free and takes about 5 minutes online. Here's exactly how to apply on the IRS website, step by step.

January 8, 2026

Tax GuidesEmployee vs ContractorFICA

Nanny vs Au Pair: Tax Differences Explained

Nanny or au pair? The tax rules are completely different. With a nanny, you're the employer. With an au pair, it's a cultural exchange. Here's how each works.

January 6, 2026

What Happens If You Don't Pay Nanny Taxes?

What happens if you don't pay nanny taxes? Back taxes, penalties, and interest add up fast. The risks and exactly how to get back on track if behind.

January 4, 2026

How-ToDirect DepositPayroll

Nanny Direct Deposit Guide: ACH, Setup, Compliance

How direct deposit works for household employees: ACH timing, state authorization rules, what your bank needs, common failures, and W-2 reporting.

January 2, 2026

Tax GuidesThresholdFICA

New Nanny Tax Rules for 2026: What Changed

What changed for nanny taxes in 2026? The threshold is now $3,000 (up from $2,800), plus new Social Security wage bases. Here's what it means for you.

January 1, 2026

Tax FilingQuarterly TaxesYear-End

Q1 2026 Nanny Tax Deadlines: What's Due and When

Your Q1 2026 nanny tax checklist: January 15 estimated payment, January 31 W-2 deadline, April 15 quarterly taxes. State deadlines and penalty tips included.

January 1, 2026

Tax FilingYear-EndW-2

Year-End Nanny Tax Checklist: December Prep Guide

Your year-end nanny tax checklist: verify total wages, confirm withholdings, prep W-2 info, and get ready for Schedule H. Complete this before December 31.

December 15, 2025

Tax GuidesGetting StartedThreshold

Nanny Taxes 2026: Household Employer Guide

New to nanny taxes? The $3,000 threshold, 7.65% FICA rate, quarterly deadlines, and W-2 filing—everything you need to know in plain English.

January 15, 2025

Tax GuidesEmployee vs ContractorPenalties

Nanny vs. Contractor: Why Your Nanny Is an Employee

Can you call your nanny an independent contractor? Almost certainly not. The IRS has clear rules, and misclassifying can mean back taxes and penalties.

January 10, 2025