You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But even if you don’t
employ a nanny, it may apply to you. Hiring a housekeeper or other household
employee (who isn’t an independent contractor) may make you liable for federal
income tax, Social Security and Medicare (FICA) tax and federal unemployment
tax. You may also have state tax obligations. In 2019, you must withhold and
pay FICA taxes if your worker earns cash wages of $2,100 or more. You pay
household worker obligations by increasing your quarterly estimated tax
payments or increasing withholding from wages, rather than making a lump-sum
payment. Employment taxes are then reported on your tax return. Contact us for
assistance.