Things to know before filing an Au Pair tax return.

Tax laws can be complex, and the information provided here is a general guide. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Before filing an Au Pair tax return, it’s essential to be aware of several key considerations:

Au Pairs

• should file and pay taxes by April 15, 2024,
• should provide their Social Security Number to file a tax return 
• don’t need a W-2 form to file their tax return. 
• can determine their 2023 taxable amount by either multiplying the weekly stipend by the number of weeks or by utilizing a wages log or bank statements.
•  are not eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, The Hope Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credits. 
• payments on education and presents are not considered Au Pair income.
• will be taxed at a 10% tax rate in most cases. 
• should use a Tax Form 1040NR to file a tax return
• should complete Schedule OI for 1040NR  
• should know that filing Form 8843 is required for every J-1 visa holder.
• should consult a tax professional for any questions. 
• can use a free E-file tax service with the Internal Revenue Service
• advised by Go Au Pair to file a tax return with Sprintax
• can file a paper return by printing the form 1040NR and mailing it to the IRS
• should know that Tax Form 1040NR instruction is available in different languages.
• should mail Form 1040-NR to: Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service. Austin, TX 73301-0215 U.S If you aren’t enclosing a payment,
• should mail Form 1040-NR to: Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 1303 Charlotte, NC 28201-1303 U.S. If enclosing a payment.

The following resources may be helpful to au pairs when they fill out your tax return:

• Internal Revenue Service
• Tax Form Instructions
• Tax Form 1040NR
• Schedule OI for 1040NR
• Form 8843 Instructions
• Form 8843
• Tax and Earned Income Credit Tables
•  E-file
• Sprintax
• Au Pair Taxes How To?
• Blog Go Au Pair Philadelphia and Bucks County

By being aware of these key points before filing your Au Pair tax return, you can navigate the process more effectively and ensure compliance with U.S. tax laws. Go Au Pair strongly encourages you to work with a licensed tax professional like Sprintax to e-file your federal taxes. Sprintax charges a $51.95 for their federal tax services, and there’s a $10 discount with code GAP250F1023

How to file the au pair tax return.

Au pairs are responsible for declaring their income, submitting a tax return, and paying taxes if owed. Please refer to the Internal Revenue Service website.

With 14 years of experience as a Local Area Representative at Go Au Pair, I’ve encountered numerous inquiries regarding tax return filing. Since taxes pose a significant challenge for Au Pairs, I share information on tax returns with the Philadelphia and Bucks County Au Pair cluster annually. However, it is advisable to seek guidance from a tax professional for specific queries. Please see below some info.

The deadline to file a 2023 federal tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. Most au pairs are nonresident aliens and therefore will be required to file Form 1040-NR to report their au pair wages and also Form 8843 as J-1 visa holders.

To file your au pair tax return you need to follow some steps:

1. Prepare the documents 
2. Calculate how much you earned in the US during the previous calendar year.
3. File Form 8843
4. File form 1040NR with the IRS;
5. Send payment to the IRS with the amount of any taxes you owe.

Step 1: Prepare the documents.

• Visa / Immigration information including Form DS-2019
• Social security number.  You can apply for one with the Social Security Administration if you do not have a Social Security number.
• Evidence of stipend payments
• U.S. entry and exit dates for current and past visits to the U.S. (reference passport stamps and I-94 travel history)

Step 2: Calculate stipend payments (“wages”) for the tax year

• Use completed Hours, Stipend, Vacation & Education Au Pair Log
• Utilize bank account statements or other available documents
• Calculate how much is earned based on weeks in the U.S.  The simplest way is to multiply your weekly stipend by the number of weeks you worked as an au pair.
• Add other earnings if available

Step 3: File Form 8843. 

• Complete  Form 8843 It’s required for every J-1 visa holder regardless of earned income, filing a tax return and/or owing money in taxes. 
• Follow the instructions  filling in Name & SSN ➢ Part I – line 4b (how many days were you in the U.S. during 2023) ➢ Part II – line 6 ➢ Part II – line 7 ➢ Part II – line 8 ➢ Signature & Date on pg. 2
• Mail 8843 to the address above and If you file a form 1040NR, attach form 8843 to it. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215

Step 4: File Form 1040NR with the IRS.  

• File electronically-  E-file with IRS partners
• File by pen – print the form 1040NR and Schedule OI for 1040NR, complete the form and earnings using step 2, calculate the amount owed using the Instructions of the Form 1040-NR 2023 Table, and mail it to the IRS Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215 (don’t forget to sign your form and send certified mail with a tracking number)
• Use Sprintax online service. Go Au Pair recommends working with Sprintax

Step 5: Send payment to the IRS.  

• Pay electronically when you E-file.
• Mail a check or money order.
• Go to IRS.gov/Payments to see all payment options.

Good luck with filing your taxes!

Au Pair types. Choosing the righ childcare.

Choosing the right Au Pair type ensures a custom childcare experience that lines up with the family’s specific needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the various Au Pair types with Go Au Pair to help your family make an informed decision:

Standard Au Pair: 

•  Suitable for families who want an experience in a broad range of childcare.
• Must have prior childcare experience with the Au Pair. 
• A flexible schedule that may last up to 45 hours a week.

Plus Au Pair: 

• Suited for families looking to hire experienced Au Pairs with international background. 
• The same schedule and requirements as the standard Au Pair. 
• Due to extra experience, he offers a larger weekly allowance.

Premiere Au Pair:

• Targeted for families with higher childcare qualifications. 
• A pair of au pairs must have a degree in childcare or at least two years’ full-time child care experience. 
• The highest weekly allowance for families with special needs, appealing to them.

EduCare Au Pair:

• This is for families with school-aged children who do not need 45 hours per week of childcare. 
• The Au Pairs work 30 hours a week and go to different schools.
•  A smaller monthly allowance, but the families are contributing more to their fees.

Knowing about these different Au Pair types helps families choose the right one, making sure they have a positive and personalized childcare experience.

Why do families want Au Pairs to take care of infants and toddlers?

Choosing an Au Pair for a family with babies is a game-changer for several reasons. An Au Pair ensures personalized care, offering one-on-one attention tailored to the infant’s unique needs. The flexibility in scheduling is ideal for parents with unpredictable work hours, providing peace of mind. With the Au Pair program, childcare happens at home, eliminating the hassle of transporting infants to external facilities. The cultural exposure an Au Pair brings enriches the infant’s environment, fostering cognitive development and cultural awareness.

Language diversity enhances early communication skills. Beyond childcare, an Au Pair becomes a supportive family member, assisting with household tasks and offering an extra set of hands. The program is often an affordable option for in-home, personalized care, making it especially appealing for families with small kids. The loving bond formed with an Au Pair contributes to a positive family dynamic, ensuring continuity of care and stability for the infant’s early years.

While having Au Pairs doesn’t guarantee kids won’t get sick, the personalized care, cultural practices, and individualized attention they offer may contribute to a healthier environment. Proactive hygiene habits, flexibility for outdoor activities, and a lower child-to-caregiver ratio could positively impact overall well-being.

Having an Au Pair can offer a unique and enriching childcare solution for families with infants, providing a blend of individualized care, cultural exposure, and practical support for both parents and the little one.

The information on the 2022 Tax Return for Au Pairs.

The IRS considers Au Pairs to be an employee of the Host Family and the stipend is classified as “wages”. Therefore, the IRS determines stipend earnings as subject to income taxes. Most Au Pairs are considered non-residents for tax purposes. As nonresidents, Au Pairs are not eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit, the Hope Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. Au Pairs who have been in the United States on a J visa for one or two calendar years are not able to claim the standard deduction.

Things to know before filling out the tax return:

• most tax return preparers are now required to use the IRS e-file.
• Social Security Number is needed to file the tax return.
• the Au Pairs’ 2022 stipend amount will be taxed at a 10% tax rate.
• taxes should be filed and paid before the April 18 tax deadline.
• Au Pairs
  • should file Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR
  • use the IRS Instructions for references.
  • consult a tax professional for any questions.

How to file the Au Pairs tax return

Au Pairs should file Form 8843 first. Completing the form is required for every J-1 visa holder regardless of earned income, filing a tax return and/or owing money in taxes. Form 8843 is required to be submitted with the tax return to certify the Au Pairs were exempt status visa holders while working as an Au Pair in the U.S.

To file Form 8843 the Au Pairs should complete the following fields: Name & SSN, ➢ Part I line 4b (how many days were you in the U.S. During 2022), ➢ Part II lines 6, 7 and 8, ➢ Signature & Date on pg. 2

Most Au Pairs are nonresident aliens, and therefore will be required to file Form 1040-NR to report their au pair wages. To file Form 1040-NR Au Pairs can use any free file software or print Form 1040-NR and file by pen. Please use the 2022 Instruction for Form 1040-NR for references.

Step 1. Calculate stipend payments (“wages”) for the tax year using the following:

• Completed Hours, Stipend, Vacation & Education Log
• Bank account statements
• Calculate how much was earned based on weeks in the U.S. Multiply the number of weeks Au Pairs worked as an Au Pair in the USA in 2022 with the amount of their weekly stipend or use their Wages log)

Step 2. File a 1040-NR. Au Pairs can use 11 IRS Free File Online providers. If filed by pen, print the form, calculate the amount owe using the Instructions of the Form 1040-NR 2022 Table, and mail it to the IRS.

Step 3. Pay the amount showing at 1040-NR. Au Pairs can make payments online, by phone, or from a mobile device Paying online is safe and secure, determine the payment date, and Au Pairs will receive an immediate confirmation from the IRS. Please go to IRS.gov/Payments to see all online payment options.

Go Au Pair encourages Au Pairs to work with a licensed tax professional such as Sprintax to e- Sprintax charges a small fee for their federal tax services.

You can join an informative Sprintax Webinar to learn more:

• Monday, March 20th @ 4pm EST
• Wednesday, April 12th@ 3pm EST

Good Luck with filing the tax return!

Combo and in-person classes for the Philadelphia and Bucks County Au Pairs, Spring 2023 semester.

During the Au Pair year, Au Pairs should complete 6 semester hours or the equivalent of 72 hours (12 credits or 144 hours for the Educare program.) Au Pairs are supposed to attend classes at a university, college, or continuing education program sponsored by a college in person. Starting January 1, 2023, the Department of State will no longer accept online classes. The combo courses, a mix of online and in-person classes, will still be accepted.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Here are a few educational options for Au Pairs in the Philadelphia and Bucks County area.

Combo courses and Weekend Classes with trip

Learning Across America

Au Pair Weekend

Au Pair Academy ( Monroe College)

PACE University

Borough of Manhattan Community College

Continuing Education

Bucks County Community College 

Harcum College Au Pair  Classes 

Community College of Philadelphia 

Delaware County Community College in Media

Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell

I hope it helps to find a class. Good luck with your courses!

Please don’t forget to contact Go Au Pair at educoord@goaupair.com for written approval.

The International Festival celebrates cultural diversity and friendship, and promotes peace.

Promote cultural diversity and peace in the world during this immoral war in Ukraine and join many people and volunteers at Lansdale International Spring Festival. The Lansdale International Spring Festival is the largest free diversity event in the Philadelphia region. This year the Festival is celebrating its 32nd year and is organized and hosted by volunteers. The festival attracts over 6,000 attendees.

The Festival brings together people of all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, and promotes cultural exchange. It includes a health fair and international food, entertainment, children’s games, and tons of activities for the whole family.

The International Spring Festival is a great opportunity to see live music and dance, enjoy international food, and see multiple vendors’ and nationality exhibits. The festival has a large area for children. Read more about ISF.

 

The Festival is an amazing opportunity to explore the world, celebrate cultural diversity and friendship, and promote peace. It is a real cultural exchange experience for Au Pairs.  

Come out and take part in this unique festival of friendship, have fun, meet Au Pairs from around the world, and host families from Bucks County and Philadelphia, and learn firsthand about the Au Pair Program.

Join the International Spring Festivals on Saturday 04.23.2022 at North Penn High School, 1340 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446. Admission and parking are free. It will be fun and a memorable event!

Au Pairs Tax Return for the 2021 year.

Au Pairs are required to file U.S. individual tax returns and pay taxes. Au Pairs receive a cash stipend (tied to the U.S. minimum wage) from the host family. The au pair stipend constitutes “wages” because an employer-employee relationship exists between the au pair and their host family.

There are two forms that usually Au Pairs need to work on: Form 8843 and Form 1040NR.

Form 8843 (Statement for Exempt Individuals…) is completed and attached to Form 1040NR-EZ. Form 8843: Complete it before starting on the income tax return itself. Its results show whether the correct income tax filing form is a non-resident or a resident tax form.

Form 1040NR (Tax Forms and Instructions) usually has to be used to fill the Au Pair’s Tax return. Choose a data entry method: online software, fill-in the forms, print forms, and complete them by hand, or, consult a tax professional. You can use IRS Free File and do your Taxes for Free. You can find Forms on the IRS website, https://www.irs.gov, by searching Forms and Instructions. The instructions print out with the form.

To start 1040NR Au Pairs need to calculate their earnings from January 1 through December 31, 2021 (do not include any earnings from 2020 or 2022). Using your Au Pair Log, your bank account record, or another record of your earnings, add all the weekly stipend amounts that you received from your host family during the calendar year 2021. The standard Au Pair earns a weekly stipend of $195.75. Au Pairs can multiply the number of weeks they have been an Au Pair in the US during 2021 by their weekly stipend.

Then, Au Pairs can use a tax table to find the amount they own, pay the taxes by phone, by check or money order, online, or using IRS2GoApp, and mail it to IRS or submit it electronically. The due date for filing is APRIL 18, 2022.

Remember that employees of Go Au Pair are not tax professionals and are not able to give advice on filing taxes. If you have any questions on filing your tax return, please read Instructions for Form 1040-NR (2020) which is available in different languages.

Au Pair taxes can be confusing. Go Au Pair has partnered with Sprintax this year. Au Pairs can receive a $5 discount off Federal tax returns when you use promo code: 21GAP250F5. Be aware of tax scams and fraudulent tax companies and individuals.

Please read A Complete Tax Guide for Au Pairs in the U.S.

Online and In-Person Classes for Au Pairs.

The spring semester is here and many Au Pairs are looking forward to attending the classes. During the Au Pair year Au Pairs should complete 6 semester hours or the equivalent 72 hours (12 credits or 144 hours for Educare program.) Au Pairs are supposed to attend classes at a university, college or continuing education program sponsored by a college in person. This semester the Department of State temporarily accepts the classes online. Please contact Go Au Pair at educoord@goaupair.com for written approval of this exception.

Here are a few educational options for the Au Pairs in the Philadelphia and Bucks County area.

Online Classes

Learning Across America

Au Pair Weekend

Bucks County Community College

Au Pair Academy ( Monroe College)

PACE University

Borough of Manhattan Community College

Continuing Education

Bucks County Community College 

Harcum College Au Pair  Classes 

Community College of Philadelphia 

Delaware County Community College in Media

Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell

Popular Weekend Classes

Au Pair Weekend

Learning Across America with tours   

I hope it helps to find a class. Please don’t forget to contact Go Au Pair at educoord@goaupair.com for written approval.

Can a single parent host an au pair?

There are thousands of single parents, fathers and mothers, who raised the kids with an Au Pair’s help. The Au Pair becomes a big sister for kids, a person who is a reliable and loving member of the family. Many single parent families have enjoyed the benefits of hosting an Au Pair and having that “extra pair of hands” available when raising a family without a partner. They become an integral member and valued addition to your family. An au pair can be an extra driver in the house, a safe and responsible person to get your children to and from commitments. An au pair gives parent some free time away from the kids knowing they are with someone they are comfortable with.

Having an additional adult in the home provides extra support, particularly for families with single parents or busy spouse travel schedules. The Au Pair offer adult company and valuable, consistent assistance. In addition, the program is affordable. Au Pairs are often times less expensive than day care, since there are no additional fees for multiple children.

Here is what the host mom who had several Au Pairs said, “It is not easy to be a single parent, but with my Au Pair, I feel more confident and secure. We are working as a team raising my children and we have fun as a family. She inspires and teaches my kids through her continual positive attitude and actions every moment- when she is working or having fun with us.”

Another single mom said that, “I honestly do not know how I would have gotten through this difficult situation in my life if it wasn’t for Joyce. Joyce is more than an au pair or a close friend but she is a permanent part of our family. “

Please read a story about a single father with two kids who hosted Au Pair Hui and she became a big sister for his kids and was nominated for IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award.

If you are looking for a little more than the care provider, a family member, a big sister for your kids, a person who is an equal, reliable and truly love your family, then, an Au Pair is the perfect solution for you!