Nanny Tax DeskHow much are nanny taxes in 2026?
Your share is 7.65% of pay for Social Security and Medicare, plus up to $42 of federal unemployment and your state's unemployment tax. On $50,000 that is $3,867 before state tax, so the nanny costs you $53,867. Another $3,825 comes out of the nanny's pay.
General information from IRS Publication 926, not tax advice. Check with a tax professional for your household.
Nanny taxes by pay, federal only
| Pay for 2026 | Your employer taxes | Held back from pay | Your total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $1,572 | $1,530 | $21,572 |
| $30,000 | $2,337 | $2,295 | $32,337 |
| $40,000 | $3,102 | $3,060 | $43,102 |
| $50,000 | $3,867 | $3,825 | $53,867 |
| $60,000 | $4,632 | $4,590 | $64,632 |
| $75,000 | $5,780 | $5,738 | $80,780 |
Each row: 7.65% of pay, plus $42 of federal unemployment (0.6% of $7,000). Add your state's unemployment tax: at 3.4% on a $7,000 wage base, that is $238 more. If you pay the nanny's half yourself, add the "held back" column to your cost.
General information from IRS Publication 926 (2026), not tax advice. Check with a tax professional for your household.
Questions people ask next
Why do some sites say nanny taxes are 10%?
They add state unemployment and, in some states, disability or paid leave taxes. The federal part is 7.65% plus $42.
Is the nanny's half a cost to me?
Only if you pay it yourself. If you hold it back, it comes out of the nanny's gross pay.
Can I deduct nanny taxes?
Household employment taxes are not a deduction on your return. Child care costs may count toward the child and dependent care credit or a dependent care FSA; check their rules.
What does a payroll service add?
Services charge from about $8 to $83 a month for this, and some charge more at year end. The math is the same as here.