Hiring a Nanny Legally: Verify the legal status of your nanny candidate

The intimate, home-oriented and highly personal nature of nanny work doesn’t exempt it from strict adherence to federal and state employment law.  A nanny cannot be considered an independent contractor, or a subcontractor.  Whether part time, full time, live in or live out, a nanny is an employee, and the appropriate paperwork must be completed.

This article focuses on the steps needed to hire a nanny that is legally able to work in the United States. Information on the tax requirements for hiring a nanny can be found in our nanny tax article.

Fortunately, legally hiring a nanny can be fairly straightforward.  The U.S. Department of Justice requires that both nannies and their employers fill out the I-9 form, which can be downloaded online here.

The I-9 form is fairly straightforward and easy to complete. It will also give an opportunity to copy some of the nanny’s important identification that will help you be sure she is who she claims to be. Follow the rules carefully when asking for identification and the proper documentation she needs to provide you to fulfill the legal requirements of this form.

Please remember that eNannySource.com does not verify legal status of any nannies that post their resumes on our site.