Key points to consider when employing a nanny

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key points to consider

If you employ a nanny in the UK you have the same legal responsibilities as a commercial employer and if you fail to declare your nanny's salary in full you are breaking the law. Familiarise yourself with the main aspects of nanny employment to avoid costly penalties later on.

If you employ a nanny in the UK you have the same legal responsibilities as a commercial employer and the law requires you to:

Register as an employer
Set up and operate a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) scheme on your nanny's behalf
Keep tax records on her behalf
Provide your nanny with regular payslips
Provide her with an employment contract
Pay regular income tax and National Insurance Contributions
Pay employer's National Insurance Contributions
Submit a Full Payment Submission (FPS) to HMRC every time you pay your nanny and an Employer's Payment Submission for months where you do not

These obligations also apply:

In short-term employment (i.e. a week or longer)
To any employment taking place in the UK - irrespective of the country of origin of the nanny or employer

Failure to register as an employer if you are paying your nanny above the weekly threshold is an offence, which can potentially lead to heavy penalties and career-damaging publicity.

Consider the following:
Failure to file an FPS every time you pay your nanny can result in late filing and incorrect filing penalties, which could mount to hundreds of pounds.

Failure to pay all tax/NI liabilities before 19 April results in interest being charged on the amount outstanding. All these legal obligations can be not only complex but also time-consuming, especially for a first-time employer. Without working knowledge of the tax system and current employment law, you are entering a minefield. Businesses use skilled payroll, legal and human resources professionals, you can too - for a fraction of the price. Nannytax has more than 19 years' experience in domestic and nanny payroll and we can transform your hassle into peace of mind.