Tax Information for Host Families

We know that the issue of taxes can be confusing regarding the au pair program, so Au Pair Care is pleased to provide you with some general guidelines regarding childcare tax issues. We hope this information will provide a resource for you to prepare for a conversation with your own tax advisor or the IRS.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

An au pair’s weekly stipend, the cost of room and board, and the program fee paid to AuPairCare is all eligible under the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit as long as child care services were required in order for the Host to work or to seek employment.

The fee paid to Au Pair Care is eligible only once the au pair begins to provide services. However, amounts paid to Au Pair Care and that are later forfeited do not qualify. Please note that if a Host Family pays a fee (e.g. the payment due upon matching) in one calendar year, but the au pair does not begin to provide services until the next year, the fee is eligible in the year during which the au pair began to provide services.

To file for the credit, you must have your au pair’s Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and Au Pair Care’s Federal Tax ID Number: 94-3382054.

Dependent Care Reimbursement Programs

The eligibility requirements for these programs are identical to those for the tax credit described above. Contact your employer for specific guidance on this issue.

Reporting for My Au Pair's Taxes

Host families usually do not need to pay federal unemployment tax (FUTA) for their au pairs. Host families are not required to withhold taxes unless the au pair (employee) requests that taxes be withheld and the host family (employer) agrees to do so. Please consult with your personal tax advisor or the IRS for definitive answers regarding your own situation.

Documentation for My Taxes

For program fees, Au Pair Care is happy to provide payment documentation upon request via email to customercare@aupaircare.com.

Additional Resources

Au Pair Care is not licensed to provide official tax advice, so we cannot provide host families or au pairs tax advice regarding program fee and wage inquiries. Tax laws vary from state to state, so we encourage host families and au pairs to consult with a local professional tax advisor or directly with the Internal Revenue Service for any specific questions regarding taxation.