Employee, not contractor
In nearly every private household arrangement, a nanny is a household employee — the family sets the hours, the place of work, and how the work is done. Treating her as a contractor is the most common mistake we correct, and the one that tends to surface at the least convenient moment.
Setting it up
- Employer registration. Established where required, so the household can pay properly.
- Onboarding documentation. Collected once, completely, and kept on file.
- Rate and schedule. Hourly structure, overtime, guaranteed hours and travel days agreed in writing.
- Each pay cycle. Withholdings, wage statements and filings handled on our calendar.
- Year-end. Annual documents prepared and delivered without a scramble.
Starting mid-year
Beginning partway through a year is common and entirely workable. We review what has already been paid, organize the records, and place the household on a correct footing going forward — quietly, without alarm.
More than one person on staff?
Households with a housekeeper, estate manager, chef, or driver alongside childcare are usually better served by our full household payroll service, which keeps everyone under one arrangement.
EstateHR is not a law firm and does not provide employment law counsel. We do not sell or administer workers' compensation coverage.