Tax Guide for Au Pairs in the United States

If you’re considering being an 🌟Au Pair🌟 in the United States, you’re probably wondering about taxes and how to tackle this fiscal challenge. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to understand and navigate the US tax system.

 

The Tax Moves Blog

Jul 28, 2023 | J1 VISA

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An au pair comes to the USA as an 🌟exchange visitor🌟 with a J-1 visa that lasts for one year. Au pairs may be eligible to participate in an extension period if they meet all the requirements to do so. In addition to federal taxes, you must also file 🌟state taxes🌟 according to the state where you reside.

1. Considerations on Tax Residency

In most cases, au pairs are considered 🌟non-residents🌟 for tax purposes while they are in the United States. However, it is important to note that if the au pair has been in the country for more than two years, they will need to take the 🌟substantial presence test🌟 to determine their tax residency.In addition to 🌟federal taxes🌟, you must also file 🌟state taxes🌟according to the state where you reside.

2. About Au pair earnings

As an au pair, it is common to receive a💵stipend💵or salary from the host family as compensation for taking care of their children and related tasks. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the au pair stipend is considered wages 🌟and must report their stipend income to the IRS.

3. What about the cost that an au pair must pay for taxes?

As an au pair in the United States, it is important to set aside between 10% and 15% of your income to cover federal taxes. Saving approximately $20 per week can make the tax payment process easier at the end of the fiscal year.

4. What taxes are Au Pairs exempt?

The 🌟FICA tax🌟 , also known as the payroll tax, is used to fund the Social Security and Medicare programs in the United States. However, due to the nature of the J-1 visa used by au pairs, they are considered “non-resident aliens” for tax purposes during the first years of their stay, which grants them an exemption from these taxes.

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