Nanny Tax Calculator (Schedule H)

Calculate household employment taxes for nannies, housekeepers, and other household employees.
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Nanny Lives In Your Home?

Total Employer Tax

$2,526.00

Total Cost (Wages + Tax)

$32,526.00

Quarterly Payment

$631.50

Employer Tax Breakdown

Annual Nanny Wages$30,000.00
2026 Threshold$3,000.00
Employer Social Security (6.2%)$1,860.00
Employer Medicare (1.45%)$435.00
Total Employer FICA (7.65%)$2,295.00
FUTA (0.6% on first $7,000.00)$42.00
State Unemployment (2.7% on first $7,000.00)$189.00
Total Employer Taxes$2,526.00
Total Cost to You$32,526.00

Employee Withholding (from wages)

Employee FICA (7.65%)$2,295.00
Net Wages to Nanny$27,705.00

Quarterly Payment Schedule (Schedule H)

Q1 (Jan-Mar)$631.50 due April 15
Q2 (Apr-Jun)$631.50 due June 15
Q3 (Jul-Sep)$631.50 due September 15
Q4 (Oct-Dec)$631.50 due January 15 (next year)

Use the Nanny Tax Calculator (Schedule H) above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Nanny Tax Calculator (Schedule H) helps you accurately determine your household employment tax obligations for 2026. This is crucial for nannies, housekeepers, caregivers, and other household employees, as miscalculations can lead to penalties from the IRS. Understanding these taxes ensures compliance and prevents unexpected financial burdens.

This calculator determines your liability for Social Security, Medicare, and Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) based on the employee's gross wages. For 2026, Social Security is 12.4% (6.2% employer, 6.2% employee) on wages up to $177,000, and Medicare is 2.9% (1.45% employer, 1.45% employee) on all wages. FUTA is 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, though this can be reduced by state unemployment tax credits.

Remember, you only owe nanny taxes if you pay a household employee over $2,700 in cash wages in 2026. A common mistake is not withholding the employee's portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, leading to a higher employer cost. Also, ensure you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) before filing Schedule H.

Example: Full-time Nanny's Taxable Wages

  1. 1 Input: A nanny earns $4,000 per month, totaling $48,000 in gross wages for 2026. The employer has paid all state unemployment taxes on time.
  2. 2 Calculation: Social Security: $48,000 * 12.4% = $5,952. Medicare: $48,000 * 2.9% = $1,392. FUTA: $7,000 * (6.0% - 5.4% state credit) = $42 (assuming maximum state credit). Total household employment taxes = $5,952 + $1,392 + $42 = $7,386.
  3. 3 Result: The total household employment tax liability for the year 2026 for this employer, based on the nanny's wages, is $7,386.
  4. 4 Context: This $7,386 represents the total employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare, plus the employer's FUTA liability. The employer is responsible for remitting these taxes to the IRS, typically quarterly, or through increased income tax withholding.

Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay nanny taxes?
Yes, if you pay any household employee $2,800 or more in 2026, you must withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA). You may also owe federal and state unemployment taxes if you pay $1,000+ in any quarter.
How much are nanny taxes as a percentage?
The employer share of FICA is 7.65% (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare). You also withhold the employee share of 7.65% from their wages. Federal unemployment (FUTA) adds 0.6% on the first $7,000. Total employer cost is roughly 8-10% above wages.
What form do I file for nanny taxes?
File Schedule H with your personal Form 1040 to report household employment taxes annually. You must also provide your nanny with a W-2 by January 31. You may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments or increase your own W-4 withholding to cover the liability.

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