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Household employer toolkit

When you hire household staff directly, you are the employer. This free toolkit covers the basics families ask about after they hire: an offer letter, overtime rules and household employer taxes. It is general information with links to the official sources. Free for families through 2026. Candidates never pay.

Checklist: after you choose someone

  • Put the offer in writing (guide 1).
  • Decide how hours and overtime work, especially for live-in roles (guide 2).
  • Get an employer identification number, collect work authorization paperwork and plan payroll and tax filing (guide 3).
  • Keep records of hours, pay and paperwork.

Not legal or tax advice

Not legal or tax advice. This toolkit is general information for families who hire household staff directly. It is not legal or tax advice, and it may not fit your situation. Ask a qualified adviser. HomeHire is not the employer and does not run payroll or hold wages.

Related links

Explore the US Salary Guide for national, state, and metro pay context.

Frequently asked questions

Is this legal or tax advice?

No. It is general information with links to official sources. For your own situation, ask a qualified adviser.

Does HomeHire handle payroll or taxes for me?

No. The family is the employer and handles payroll and tax filing. HomeHire does not run payroll or hold wages.

Who is the toolkit for?

Families who hire a nanny, housekeeper, house manager, chef, driver or other household employee directly.

Is the toolkit free?

Free for families through 2026. Candidates never pay.

Where do the facts come from?

From the Department of Labor, the IRS, FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Revenue. Each page lists its sources.

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