How to legally pay a PT nanny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m on maternity leave and my husband is back at work. We are looking for a PT nanny to come and give me a break for 4 hours a weekday — exact hours flexible.

Husband says that due to his status as a federal employee, we have to do everything legally. No Venmo/cash payments.

Has anyone else dealt with this? Any advice for paying them above board and finding someone okay with it?

There is nothing illegal about paying with those methods. You could even use barter or glass shards and trinkets if you wanted.

It is entirely up to the person receiving pay to keep track of it for IRS purposes.

You have the responsibility of the 1099. An independent contractor does not generate that paperwork.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think your husband is over thinking this a bit. Back when we had a nanny, my husband was a high level treasury guy, so yes, we wanted to be above board. But I think for 20 hours a week, and for just a few months, you’re totally fine…unless he really thinks he’s going to be in a senate confirmed position in the future where people are trying to dig up every single thing imaginable about him….

This x1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m on maternity leave and my husband is back at work. We are looking for a PT nanny to come and give me a break for 4 hours a weekday — exact hours flexible.

Husband says that due to his status as a federal employee, we have to do everything legally. No Venmo/cash payments.

Has anyone else dealt with this? Any advice for paying them above board and finding someone okay with it?

Her hour wage the same way you pay a full time nanny! You deduct state & Federal and FICA. maybe you should hire a payroll service company.

[Anonymous]

Without nannies we couldn't go to work. I don't wanna stay home. We pay taxes, she pays her side of taxes too. Looks good. We pay via Zelle.


Or get a 15 years old babysitter or a mother's help to do it for free.
Good luck 😂

[Anonymous]

How long is your maternity leave and are you talking 4 hours every single day? You can legally pay cash under the table if you are paying less than $2800 in wages per year -- this is to allow for the occasional babysitter. But with it being December, you aren't likely to hit $2800 this year, and then depending on the length of your maternity leave, maybe not next year either. Or maybe at some point you will be willing to reduce the hours to avoid the hassle of a payroll company for a short term situation.