Is this tax on your radar? Here’s what you should know.
When most people think of payroll taxes, they picture large companies or small businesses. But what many don’t realize is that hiring a household worker—like a nanny, housekeeper, or caregiver—can turn you into an employer in the eyes of the IRS.
What is the "Nanny Tax"?
The term "nanny tax" refers to a set of federal and state payroll tax obligations that apply when you hire a domestic employee and pay them above a certain threshold. It's not a special tax per se, but rather a group of taxes (Social Security, Medicare, unemployment, etc.) that must be handled just like any traditional employer would.
Who Is a Domestic Employee?
It’s not just nannies! The nanny tax can apply if you hire any of the following in your home:
Nannies and babysitters (if paid regularly and not via an agency)
Housekeepers or cleaning staff (not self-employed or contracted)
Senior caregivers
Cooks
Gardeners
Personal assistants working in your home
When Does the Nanny Tax Apply?
For 2025, if you pay a household worker $2,700 or more in a calendar year, you’re generally required to:
Withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes
Pay federal unemployment (FUTA) and state unemployment (SUTA) taxes
Issue a W-2 to your employee
File a Schedule H with your personal tax return
Many families cross this threshold without even realizing it. If you pay someone $225 per week for childcare in your home, you’ll hit the limit in just 12 weeks.
Why Should You Care?
Ignoring these requirements can lead to:
Penalties and interest from the IRS
Back taxes owed
Complications when applying for loans or government positions
Risk to your employee’s future Social Security or unemployment benefits
Many well-intentioned families find themselves out of compliance simply because they didn’t know they were technically employers. That’s why it’s so important to understand the rules upfront.
Next Steps
Our article next week will go over the steps to take to address this matter if it applies to you and your situation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to TrueBlaze Advisors.