Payroll tips & guides
Practical advice for household employers, small business owners, and anyone who wants to understand payroll better.
Household Employee Taxes 2026: What You Owe and How to Pay
Learn exactly what taxes you owe for a nanny, housekeeper, or caregiver in 2026. Covers FICA, FUTA, state taxes, thresholds, and a full worked example.
February 19, 2026
How Much Should You Pay Your Nanny? 2026 Rates + Calculator Guide
National average nanny pay rates for 2026, city-by-city comparisons, and a full cost calculator. Learn hourly vs salary, taxes, benefits, and total employer cost.
February 19, 2026
Independent Contractor Payroll: Software, Taxes, and Pay Stubs Explained
Learn how independent contractor payroll works, what 1099 software you need, self-employment tax obligations, and how contractors create pay stubs for proof of income.
February 19, 2026
The Complete Guide to Nanny Taxes in 2026
Everything you need to know about paying your nanny legally, from thresholds to tax credits. Learn about Social Security, Medicare, federal and state taxes for household employees.
January 28, 2026
New Household Employer? Here's Your Complete Checklist
Hiring a nanny, housekeeper, or caregiver? Follow this comprehensive checklist to set up payroll correctly and stay compliant with IRS requirements.
January 20, 2026
5 Payroll Mistakes That Cost Small Businesses Money
Avoid these common payroll errors that lead to IRS penalties, unhappy employees, and wasted money. Learn how to run payroll correctly the first time.
January 15, 2026
W-2 vs 1099: Why Your Nanny Is Almost Never a Contractor
Understanding the IRS rules for household employee classification. Learn why misclassifying your nanny as an independent contractor can lead to serious penalties.
January 10, 2026
How to Claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit in 2026
Get up to $6,000 back when you pay your caregiver on the books. Learn eligibility requirements, how to calculate your credit, and maximize your tax savings.
January 5, 2026
Small Business Payroll 101: A Complete Beginner's Guide
New to running payroll? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about setting up and managing payroll for your small business.
December 28, 2025
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Popular Topics
Nanny Taxes
Complete guides to paying your household employees legally
Tax Credits
Maximize your child care and dependent care tax benefits
Small Business
Payroll basics for small business owners and entrepreneurs
Compliance
Stay on the right side of IRS and state requirements