Source
r/Nanny•
lestypesty

First time parents looking for direction.

Advice Needed: Not Nanny Kid Related

We quoted 22 / hr in interview. We’re in ny (and care.com says av pay is 21.50). Guaranteed 40hrs /wk. We have a very generous pto offering - 2 wks holiday of her choosing and then we’re taking a full month off which she would be paid for, in addition to a week at Christmas and federal holidays.

We sent a contract over and gave her 3 full days to review and left it very open to have a discussion before she started.

She turned up on the first day and said she wanted to be paid off the books and it’s clear she’s expecting 22 in the hand.

She’s not at all tech savvy which I wouldn’t hold against her but it is likely why she’s so reluctant to fill out the standard tax forms (which are honestly overwhelming and confusing)

I really like her … a little annoyed we didn’t iron all this out before she started but I’m not going to hold it against her.

She makes out that off the books is very normal. But everything I read on this sub and elsewhere tells me I should do this above board.

My questions are

  • does this package seem fair to look after 1x 6m old? I understand inflation is a thing right now so maybe those av pay rates are irrelevant ? Another nanny we spoke w was fine with 22 an hr on the books.
  • how many nannies get paid off the books.

Thank you!

Posted Dec 2, 2021, 8:12 AM UTC

414
boytroubletrouble•

Your contract seems more than fair. I recommend having a talk with her about why she wants to be paid off the books. Maybe discuss pros and cons for her. She may be getting assistance such as snap benefits and other welfare programs and she doesn't want the income to interfere with that. Explain to her the benefits of having a legal income.

Are you comfortable with paying cash? If not, then you need to show her the benefits of being paid legally. Show her that the pros outweigh the cons for her.

6
lestypestyOP•

Yeah I’m not comfortable paying cash. We’re both on visas so i feel like we’re open to more scrutiny. It’s just so much cash going out I don’t know how we would justify it

7
KatelynchenelleNanny•

Paying on the books protects you both. She should want it too.

3
Loreooreo•

For a FT position on the books is the norm, less common for a PT one

5
Loreooreo•

Care does not accurately determine rate, they undervalue and underestimate market rates. If you’re in a high COL area $22 is not enough. New York, California and Florida are more expensive areas.

4
lestypestyOP•

Ok thanks - yes care does give av pay per state so I thought it was ok… but based on yours and others notes seems it’s a bit low.

1
Relevant_Fly_4807•

This sub has a calculator that was super helpful to us. It takes into consideration location and experience.

https://nannywagecalculator.weebly.com/

1
lestypestyOP•

Yeah I saw that but it seems off bc it’s saying 18 / hr!

1
Cosima1987•

The PTO offerings and contract are good but the pay is sooooooooo low. I used to make 28 an hour in NY five years ago. Also yes, you should pay her on the books. She either doesn’t want to pay taxes or maybe doesn’t have a visa/green card.

3
lestypestyOP•

She has a permanent resident card. So she’s legit.. but has always been paid off the books so it’s kinda new to her … and the tax forms are so overwhelming!

2
Cosima1987•

Well, paying taxes is not negotiable. Especially if you don’t want to risk issues on your part. I would seriously reconsider her employment if she refuses to be on the books.

6
ColdForm7729•

Care.com is notorious for low pay average. I'd offer $25 per hour at least in a HCOL area.

1
lestypestyOP•

Right. Thank you

1
NannyLollyPop•

Your rate looks good, benefits are certainly better than most Nanny's get. Good for you! This issue of paying on the books or not is a pet peeve of mine. Why is this even an option? Do you get to tell your employer, "Sorry buddy, I don't want to pay taxes" of course not! There really isn't much work on her end to do it legally. Using a payroll company on your end will also help you both. You ARE doing the right and legal thing by paying on the books. If she can't/won't accept that then move on to the next.

1