If you employ domestic help, such as a housekeeper or cook, you may be required to pay Social Security (FICA), Medicare, and unemployment taxes for those employees. FICA tax is due on a household employer's 1040 for wages paid to domestic employees. There is an exception for annual cash wages of less than $2,100 in 2019. To avoid underpayment penalties, increase your quarterly estimated payments or increase withholdings from your own annual wages to pay these amounts due.
Federal unemployment taxes are due for any household employees whom you hired during the year and to whom you paid $1,000 in cash wages in any calendar quarter this year or last year. Unless you also pay the appropriate state unemployment taxes, the maximum Federal rate may be assessed.
These requirements don't apply to employees of service providers that work in your home or to someone who is not your household employee. Certain employees under age 18, such as babysitters and yard workers, are exempt unless household work is their principal occupation.
Contact us with questions about your liability, as exemptions and special rules may apply.
