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Many people are confused about whether it’s legal to hire their children and grandchildren. Follow my advice to satisfy both the IRS and employment laws – while saving on your own taxes. Assuming it’s a true payment for services performed (and the paperwork is handled properly) it’s totally legal and acceptable to pay family members.
Minor Children Save the Most Taxes
Child labor restrictions don’t apply to a parent (unless it’s in manufacturing, mining, or any hazardous occupation defined by the Department of Labor) – even under 16. I hired my own daughters from the ages of 7 and 9 without a hitch.
You need not pay withholding income taxes, payroll taxes (including Social Security) and Workmen’s Compensation (in most states) until the child turns 18. Just remember to complete quarterly payroll tax returns, as you must for any employee. Forget about paying federal unemployment taxes until the child turns 21.
However, if your business is an S or C Corporation, you must pay Social Security and Medicare taxes regardless of their ages.
To Survive IRS Scrutiny
To survive the scrutiny of the tax man, you need to follow these guidelines:
- The children actually have to work
- Pay them consistently
- Pay them according to what you’d pay someone else
- Keep detailed records
- Issue a W-2 at year end and file a tax return for the child, even if no tax is owed
Example:
Wages paid to 13 year old child = $7,150
Less: Standard deduction for 2013 = $5,950
Taxable income $1,200
Tax Due (10% x $1200) $ 120
While for the parents:
Wages paid to the child = $7,150
Tax Savings (40% x $7,150) = $2,860
For a net savings to the family of $2360
The income tax standard deduction is $5,950 for every person in the country, including each of your minor children. So unless you pay them more than that, they won’t have any tax obligation at all. And since they really earned it, the “kiddie tax rules” do not apply.
When hiring adult family members you can justify larger salaries. And they can participate in benefits like qualified retirement benefit programs and fringe benefits (like medical insurance and childcare).
Working for You Teaches Children about Managing Money and Saving
The income has to be earned by the child, so the amount needs to reflect the value of what’s done. And the money does belong to them, even if it’s being saved for college.
Many of the benefits of involving your children in your operation aren’t tax-related at all. They’re gaining practical experience, learning the value of work, and maybe how to carry on the family business down the road.
If you’re wondering whether to trust my advice, I’ve sat on both sides of the desk. I worked for the IRS, and since leaving there have conducted almost a thousand seminars on financial planning and taxes. I speak to real estate and banking professionals all over the country, and have found that everyone wants to learn smart strategies that bring reliable financial returns – without getting them into tax trouble. In my opinion, hiring your family is one of them.
Don’t hesitate to put the troops to work. When you hire your children you’re teaching them skills they’ll be able to use for the long haul. They’re learning the value of a dollar – and how hard you have to work to earn them. And bottom line, it makes good financial sense as well.
In accordance with Circular 230 Treasury Department Regulations, we are required to advise you that any tax advice contained in this article may not be relied upon to avoid penalties under the Internal Revenue Code. Please consult a tax professional or accountant for professional advice.
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You have observed very interesting points! ps decent website.
Partners should register as “self employed”.