How to Hire a Nanny During Back-To-School Season

SurePayroll offer tips and advice for hiring and paying a nanny for your child during the busy back-to-school season. Learn about the best resources for finding babysitters and childcare, how to pay your nanny, and tips for simplifying the nanny search. 

No sooner are parents getting into the summer groove than it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for the new school year. Even during the “relaxing” summer months, parents have much to account for: stocking up on school supplies, navigating back-to-school clothes shopping, coordinating bus schedules and for working parents, after-school care is another critical item that must be addressed.

Parents hiring an individual caregiver like a nanny or babysitter face what can be an overwhelming process. While their top priority is the safety of their children and the security of their home, before hitting the beach to enjoy the summer parents also have to figure out complicated legal, payroll and tax considerations. Because no one wants to start off the school year battling the IRS!

“Hiring a nanny requires many critical considerations from the very safety of your children to whether the person will be a good personality fit for your family. What's sometimes overlooked is that you have to also be aware of the rules and laws that apply to hiring a nanny. These legal considerations don’t have to lead to added stress for parents already hustling to get their kids ready for the school year,” said SurePayroll CEO and president Michael Alter. “Fortunately for parents, there are affordable online options that can make the process easier, from finding the perfect nanny to making sure their payroll is handled accurately, on-time and in compliance with federal and state laws.”

Finding a reliable, trustworthy nanny and following the proper procedures to ensure compliance will give parents peace of mind that their children are in good hands as backpacks get zipped up for the first day at school.

Here's what you need to know: 

1. Know what you want in your nanny. Create a detailed list of must-haves (schedule, disciplinary practices, experience with multiples, etc.) and a list of preferences on which you’d be willing to negotiate. Knowing your priorities will not only help you attract the right candidate, but also make the right decision.

2. Get a referral from someone you know and trust. Consult with family members, friends, teachers and colleagues to get recommendations for responsible nanny candidates.

3. Involve your children in the interview process. After all, they will be the ones interacting with your nanny the most. Make sure they are comfortable with their nanny.

4. This is a business relationship; don’t allow yourself to slip into thinking you’re chatting with a friendly acquaintance when interviewing nanny candidates. Be sure to ask all the tough questions about topics that are important to you.

5. Reputable selection services like SitterCity can help you identify and screen appropriate candidates. Be sure to utilize background checks, check several references and conduct personal interviews before making a final decision.

6. Agree to wages in advance and determine wages based on experience and competitive rates in your area. Nannies must be paid at least minimum wage for each hour worked and may be entitled to overtime.

7. Get your paperwork in order to avoid penalties, including the 1040-ES, a signature-ready Schedule H, the annual 1040, and W-2. If you pay a seasonal nanny more than $1,000 per quarter or $1,800 per year, you most likely need to pay the “Nanny Tax” (which includes Social Security, Medicare and the Federal Unemployment Tax).