If you plan to pay your nanny $2,400 or more in 2022, in most cases you are considered to be a household employer. While this comes with extra benefits to you and your nanny, it comes with some extra paperwork.
A full service payroll provider can file these forms on your behalf for a price.
But if you are not interested in paying the extra price of a nanny payroll provider, you can do it yourself. All of these forms are free and easy to file.
1. I-9 Form
Time to complete: 15 mins. Cost: Free
Form I-9 is used to verify that your nanny is legally able to work in the US. First, print out an I-9 form for your nanny to fill out after accepting the job offer but no later than the first day of work.
This form indicates documentation you as an employer need to inspect (Drivers license, SS Card, etc). You do not need to submit this form but must retain it in your records.
2. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Time to complete: 15 mins. Cost: Free
Follow the instructions on the IRS website to register as a Household Employer. The IRS will give you your EIN immediately after verification. This EIN will be used for tax purposes.
3. New hire report with your state
Time to complete: 15 mins. Cost: Free
As another quick task you can complete on your own, file a New Hire Report with the New Hire Registry for your state.
The list of New Hires is used by agencies operating child support, unemployment programs, and workers’ compensation services.
4. Nanny Contract
Time to complete: 1 hour. Cost: Free, or purchase a template
A written Employment Contract, also known as a Nanny Contract, can clarify expectations and avoid conflicts. It should include things such as hourly and overtime pay rates, pay frequency, taxes withheld, daily duties and other expectations, PTO, and required leave notice.
5. Other State Specific Forms
Time to complete: 1 hour. Cost: Free
Depending on your state, you may also be responsible for other state employment taxes, such as State Unemployment Tax.
Next steps
After the forms are filed, there are also weekly tasks to track hours worked and calculate taxes and how much to pay your nanny. The Paycheck Nanny app helps with these tasks and provides guidance in navigating nanny taxes. Find it in the Play Store for Android devices or the App store for your iPhone and iPad.