Anonymous wrote:Pay her $391.30, which is 70% of $559 (the on the book rate for two kids at $13/hr)

Dumb advice.

Pay her $391.30, which is 70% of $559 (the on the book rate for two kids at $13/hr)

I think she might prefer ca$h payments because she is probably receiving some type of government assistance. I.e., SSI, Welfare, Food Stamps, Section 8 or Medicaid. Or she could be receiving Unemplyment Benefits as well. Since social services are very strict regarding reporting of any monies earned, she is probably afraid if she pays taxes on what she earns from you, she will lose her other income and if she has kids, she probably is looking out for her kids.

Anyway, I agree it is illegal, but since you are fully aware of this and want to still proceed, then I suggest you be very careful.
Pay in ca$h only....No checks or bank transactions.

As long as both parties agree to this set-up, it is very unlikely anyone will ever find out.

As a nanny, I have worked both off and on the books and there are pros and cons with both set-ups.

Don't do it, OP. tell her the transition from babysitter to nanny changes several things and being paid above the table is one of them.

I agree with others (although I wouldn't be so harsh about it). Bottom line is you could be on the hook for a lot of penalties, etc. for paying off the books. It could ultimately hurt her too if they find out. That happened to our nanny in a former job and she is still paying it off. I know it's a choice lots of people make, but do you really want to go there?

OP here-- I was asking the hypothetical question- and hoping someone would have some helpful advice apart from the legal aspect-- which I fully understand.

Anonymous wrote:Look, OP, please do not stupidly go down that path. Offer to pay her taxes if you need to.

OP, you really should not be coming here to say you want to break the law. Did you think we would support you?

Anonymous wrote:Look, OP, please do not stupidly go down that path. Offer to pay her taxes if you need to.

Keeping in mind that paying someone's taxes for them = taxable income to them.

And keeping in mind that this person is asking you to break the law.

Is that who you want watching your kids?

Paying in cash is illegal! Don't break the law! Breaking the law is immoral! Geez! Tell her that professional nannies get paid on the books. She is not a baby sitter any more, get over it.

Anonymous wrote:My guess is she wants to do cash so she nets more than if she's on the books. So, she may not want the job unless it's at about the same rate you paid your old nanny, just without taxes taken out. Wouldn't we all like this?

If she's legal, I can't think of another reason to ask for cash. I wouldn't do it.

Ooh -- just thought of another reason. She or her husband owe money for child support, back taxes, or a legal judgement and she doesn't want her wages garnished.

Do you really want to deal with this?

+1 totally agree

My guess is she wants to do cash so she nets more than if she's on the books. So, she may not want the job unless it's at about the same rate you paid your old nanny, just without taxes taken out. Wouldn't we all like this?

If she's legal, I can't think of another reason to ask for cash. I wouldn't do it.

Ooh -- just thought of another reason. She or her husband owe money for child support, back taxes, or a legal judgement and she doesn't want her wages garnished.

Do you really want to deal with this?

Look, OP, please do not stupidly go down that path. Offer to pay her taxes if you need to.

Please pay on the books.

What do you estimate was the take home pay of your last nanny after taxes? That's probably a fair place to start.

Long time trusted babysitter that I love wants to take over for nanny that is moving. She is legal but for unknown reasons insists on cash salary. My two kids 3 and 1 love her too- and I would really really like to hire her because they won't have to go through a transition. If I even consider this-- what is the market rate in DC for two kids 43 hours a week, no driving, paid in cash?