I Have a Nanny: What Taxes Do I Need to Pay?

Commonly referred to as the "nanny tax" this is nothing more than the taxes you are required to withhold from your employee, as well as the taxes you are expected to pay as a household employer.

What is FICA?

Do you expect to pay your nanny more than $2,100 in 2018? If so, you should begin to withhold his or her share of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

This sounds complicated, but it is actually quite simple. You will withhold a total of 7.65% from each payment. This includes 6.2% for Social Security tax and 1.45% for Medicare tax.

Note: you must stop withhold Social Security tax after your nanny's wages for the year reach $117,000.

The above is an explanation of what you employee pays. As an employer, you will pay the other 7.65% of FICA. You may also have to pay state and local taxes.

What about Federal Income Tax Withholding?

According to the IRS, "you are not required to withhold federal income tax from wages you pay a household employee."

You should only do this if your employee requests and you comply. In this case, you must have your nanny complete Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate.

What You Need to Pay Nanny Taxes

If you are required to pay nanny taxes, you need the following:

• State and federal tax identification numbers.
• Payroll information.
• Forms, such as a completed W-2.
• Quarterly filings for federal and state returns.

Final Word

You know you need to pay nanny taxes, but are still confused as to how and when to remit payment. To avoid confusion and guarantee accuracy, consider hiring a payroll company with experience assisting household employers.