Switching from under the table to on the books?

[Anonymous]

I'm working under the table right now and told the family that I would do so only for a year max and then I would need to make an employment history and pay taxes yadda yadda. They said they were open to it and I believe they meant it. I really love this job and have a great relationship with the parents. They have been very accommodating, generous and trusting so far and I don't think they would ever try and pull one over on me. Have any of you had any luck switching from under the table to being paid on the books? Were you able to do so without taking too much of a paycut? Any advice or info?

[Anonymous]

once they realize the extra cost and the possibility of you wanting a raise, don't expect them to follow through. Money always beats out a good working relationship in this field. depending on how much you take home now expect to lose at least one paycheck amount in taxes each month. you are better off paying taxes now before you get accustomed to your pay.

[Anonymous]

I have to say I agree with the PP.

I'm a nanny, but many of my friends are moms who employ nannies and those who pay under the table are not willing to pay above board without a serious pay cut (they are paying their maximum already, so taxes on top of their nanny's gross pay wouldn't be possible). You either need to find a new family who's willing to pay legally right off the bat or ask your employers to make the adjustment sooner so you don't feel like it's such a painful loss in a year. Sorry OP, it's no good all around.

[Anonymous]

Get a new job.

[Anonymous]

OP Here: Thanks for your responses, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. However, I've already been working with this family for a few months and fully plan on staying with them. They have been very kind and trusting to me and deserve the same in return from me. They also took a chance on me, knowing that I quit my last nanny job (bad situation!) to come work for them, something that I'm sure worried them at least a little. I'm very grateful to them and agreed to work for them for at least a year and plan on doing so.

What I would like to gain from posting here is hearing any tips from other nannies or parents on how to go about doing this when the time comes. Any online resources or anything that anyone knows of?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Your attitude is lovely, I hope they treat you the same way.

There are lots of online calculators you can use, and payroll services that will help figure out the dollars involved. I would suggest keeping this discussion going w/ your employers and working together with them on researching it so it doesn't come as a nasty surprise to anyone. It will be significantly more expensive for them - that's a definite. But, maybe it is the kind of thing they would be willing to do in lieu of a pay raise, as a recognition of the value you bring (and would hopefully continue to bring) to their lives. Depending on whether or not you have any room to be a bit flexible on compensation (though it's so hard to imagine ever being paid less) maybe there are perks they could offer you that would make it worth a little bit less pay - more vacation, schedule flexibility, payment of health insurance (not a taxable item so just a flat cost), etc...

Hope you can work it out!

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the PPs, and you haven't asked any questions that are specific enough for us to advise you. It's very easy to go legal, and there are many nanny payroll services, online calculators, or step-by-step instructions on how your employers can become legal, what they need to withhold, etc. Google it, or if you have specific details you need to know, ask them here.