How do you pay your babysitter?

CollieJade

I have hired a high school gal (daughter of one of my mom's work associates) to watch A for a few hours a week on a somewhat regular basis.  Most of the time I'll be here when she's here to watch A; I really just wanted someone to come when I have to have clients over to the house or to have with me to manage A when we need to run some errands, so she's not going to be like a full time nanny or anything.  She's got a really good rate and I don't anticipate spending more than a hundred dollars a month or so for sitting.

With that said, how should I pay her?  Cash/check, etc?  I don't know how it works in terms of taxes and such; is that considered labor/employment?  I'm too lazy to look up the tax implications, hahaa...anyone want to enlighten me?  Thanks!

MrsBeckO

Ask her if she would prefer cash or check. Have cash on hand for that first "payday" just in case she doesn't have a bank account or an easy way to cash a check. 

If you are only paying her $100/mo, you are not required by law to pay nanny tax. For such a casual arrangement though, even if you were paying more than their limit ($1600/yr?), I would just pay her without worrying about SS & Medicare. If you were hiring an actual PT/FT nanny I would say to do your research on the Nanny Tax and to do it right. 

molliedb

ditto beck.  i usually pay in check b/c my sitter(s) are fine with it and its so much easier for me.