09/29/2026
Caring for a Family Member? Don’t Overlook the Tax Rules for Caregiver Payments
When a family member needs additional care, it’s not unusual for a spouse, child, parent, or other relative to step in and provide that care.
But what happens when that family member is paid for providing those services?
This is where things can get a little more complicated from a tax perspective.
The IRS has specific rules for family caregivers, and the tax treatment can depend on a number of factors.
Is the caregiver an employee?
Caregivers who provide in-home services to an elderly or disabled individual are generally considered household employees when the person receiving care has the right to control what work is done and how it is performed.
In that situation, the person receiving the care may be considered the employer and could have household employment tax responsibilities.
There are exceptions, however. For example, certain wages paid to a spouse, a child under age 21, a parent, or an employee under age 18 may not be subject to some federal employment taxes. Even when employment taxes aren't owed, there can still be reporting requirements, including reporting the caregiver's compensation on Form W-2.
What if the caregiver isn't an employee?
Not every family caregiver is considered an employee.
In some situations, a family member may receive payments that must still be reported as income but may not be subject to self-employment tax.
For example, the IRS specifically addresses situations where a family member is paid by an insurance company to care for a spouse or receives payments from a state agency to care for grandchildren so their daughter can work. If the caregiver isn't operating a business providing care services, the payments may not be subject to self-employment tax. The income still generally needs to be reported.
When can self-employment tax apply?
The answer can change when caregiving is part of an actual trade or business.
For example, the IRS describes a situation where someone operates a sole-proprietorship adult day-care business serving multiple clients, including a grandmother. Payments received for caring for the grandmother in that business are subject to self-employment tax and are reported on Schedule C and Schedule SE.
Why does this matter?
If you're caring for a family member and receiving compensation, don't assume that the payment is automatic.
The correct treatment depends on the specific facts and circumstances.
And this is one of those situations where getting the tax treatment right from the beginning can save you from having to correct reporting issues later.
If you or a family member is being paid for caregiving services, it's worth discussing the arrangement before tax season. We can help you determine how the payments should be reported, whether employment taxes apply, and what records you should keep.