…and the Consequences of Paying “Under the Table”
When it comes to paying your nanny legally, it makes sense to get the inside scoop from an attorney who specializes in household employment law. Enter Bob King, Esq., Founder, Legally Nanny®. I reached out to Bob and asked him to provide his take on the benefits of paying your nanny legally – and the consequences that can come along if you don’t. Here’s what he put together for our enannysource.com readers.
By Bob King, Esq.
It’s not easy being a household employer. For some, the legal, tax, and insurance issues make paying their employees “under the table” seem easier and cheaper. But this decision can be penny-wise and pound-foolish if you get caught. Even if you don’t get caught, you’ll be missing out on legal and tax advantages that you can’t use if you’re paying illegally.
Getting Caught
Make no mistake, getting caught paying someone “under the table” is easier than you think. For example, if your household employee files for unemployment, social security, disability, or workers compensation benefits, you’ll likely get caught for not paying her employment taxes.
Or maybe your employee quits and turns you in – or tries to blackmail you. Or a disgruntled neighbor reports you.
Under any of these scenarios, the result is the same: YOU GET CAUGHT and face the consequences.
And what are the consequences of paying illegally? They can include:
Advantages to Hiring Legally
But there are advantages to hiring and paying nannies, elder care providers, and other domestic employees legally! If eligible, you may be able to maximize your tax savings in a number of ways, including:
In addition to these potential tax savings, another advantage to paying legally is your peace of mind. Don’t underestimate how worrying about getting caught and the consequences of hiring illegally can take a toll on you personally and professionally.
The Bottom Line
After maximizing your potential tax advantages, paying a nanny legally can add as little as 4% to your cost. On a $20,000 annual salary, that’s roughly an additional $800, a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes along with paying legally. Regardless, the significant consequences of getting caught mean that it’s just not worth the risk of paying under the table.
Bob King, Esq. is the Founder of Legally Nanny, the leading law firm representing household employers and domestic employment and homecare agencies. Legally Nanny assists clients in hiring, employing, and paying nannies, elder care providers, and other household employees legally. For more information, feel free to contact the firm at (714) 336-8864 or at info@legallynanny.com for a free initial consultation.
© Copyright 2012 Legally Nanny®. All rights reserved. This article is for informational purposes only; it is not legal advice. This material is not intended to seek employment in any jurisdiction in which Legally Nanny is not allowed to provide professional services.
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