Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of questions should I be asking potential nanny candidates during their interviews?

This is a great opportunity you to really understand your future nannies personality, likes, dislikes, etc...You should be asking questions that will shine light upon her traits, both good and bad. Although she may be extremely organized and efficient, she may not like to color or paint, which just might be a deal breaker for your 3 year old. A few good starter questions can be found on the Nanny Interview Questions worksheet.

 Should I be tipping my nanny?

As far as tipping goes, it is often encouraged to tip if your nanny did something above and beyond his or her duties. If you come home to find that every room has been vacuumed, dusted, and cleaned, it might be nice to recognize the additional work your nanny spent cleaning the house that day if it was above his or her normal duty. Tipping is often very much appreciated by nannies, and they often have a much better feeling towards their employers if they are recognized for extra hard work. Obviously, try not to make a habit of it or create expectations for your nanny. If you feel he or she deserves an extra $10 for the day, feel free to do so.

I have never been reimbursed for driving to my job, why do I need to pay for my nanny’s transportation expenses?

Although we normally don’t require our families to pay for any additional expenses, we often encourage that if a nannyor sitter is driving quite far to your home, or she is taking the children to their day to day activities, that you reimburse for gas consumed during those trips. It is often suggested that if a nanny goes through a tank of gas a week, legitimately with your children, that you reimburse for that amount. This is also something that can be negotiated with the nanny during the interview. Obviously if the nanny is only driving a few miles to work, it is not necessary. If she is driving more than 20 miles one way, you may want to kick in a few bucks at the end of the day these costs can add up and eventually lead to tension and stress with your nanny.

Do I have to pay taxes on my nanny? What are some good payroll options?

First, you should determine whether or not you employ an independent contractor or a household employee. An independent contractor usually has control over their job and determines their own schedule etc...A household employee works for a family who determines their work hours, where they work, and their roles and responsibilities.

The IRS states that anyone who pays an individual $1800 or more in a gross year, legally employs a household employee and must comply with all sate and federal tax laws. If you are interested in making the payroll portion of employing your nanny easier, there is a great company that basically does all the leg work for you. If you are interested, please visit GTM Website