Not paying taxes on your nanny payroll could result in hefty fines and penalties, and possible legal action by your employee. It’s not that difficult to get caught. Your nanny files for unemployment, gets hurt on the job, or sues you for not withholding taxes. Paying your nanny “under the table” and getting caught could also trigger an IRS audit. Not paying proper taxes can also derail career opportunities and not just for government positions. For jobs that require a government security clearance, you’ll be asked if you failed to pay any taxes when required by law.

Yes. As a household employer, if you pay cash wages of $2,200 or more in 2020 (or $2,300 in 2021) to your employee, you must withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes. Employers are not required to withhold Federal and State income taxes unless it is agreed upon by both parties. If income taxes are not withheld throughout the year, your nanny will be responsible for paying them at the end of the year. If you pay a total of $1,000 or more per quarter to a household employee you must pay federal unemployment tax. This does not apply if your household employee is your spouse, child under age 21, parent, or any employee under the age of 18 at any time in the current tax year.

Not paying taxes on your nanny payroll could result in hefty fines and penalties, and possible legal action by your employee. It’s not that difficult to get caught. Your nanny files for unemployment, gets hurt on the job, or sues you for not withholding taxes. Paying your nanny “under the table” and getting caught could also trigger an IRS audit. Not paying proper taxes can also derail career opportunities and not just for government positions. For jobs that require a government security clearance, you’ll be asked if you failed to pay any taxes when required by law.