Getting paid on the books works for you, too.
On-the-books pay means your wages can count toward Social Security and Medicare, and gives you real proof of income — useful for a loan, an apartment, or a mortgage. How it applies depends on your situation, so check with a tax advisor.
What getting paid on the books gives you
Being paid off the books can feel simpler in the moment, but on-the-books pay is what actually works in your favor — when you need to prove your income and as you build toward your own benefits.
A W-2 at year-end
Your wages get reported on a W-2, with Social Security and Medicare handled along the way. At tax time you have a real form to file — not a year of cash to explain.
Proof of income that counts
Pay stubs and a year-end W-2 are documentation a landlord, lender, or loan officer will actually accept. Cash leaves you nothing to show you earned it.
Credit toward Social Security & Medicare
Wages reported on the books generally build toward your future Social Security and Medicare benefits. How much it helps depends on your work history and situation — confirm with a tax advisor.
No tax-time surprises
When the tax is accounted for as you're paid, you're not hit with a bill you didn't see coming — and your record is clean if questions ever come up later.
This is general information, not tax advice — how it applies depends on your situation. Confirm the specifics with a tax advisor.
How getting paid through KinPayroll works
KinPayroll handles the federal household-employer side — Social Security, Medicare, and the year-end forms — so the family can pay you correctly without the paperwork getting in the way.
The family sets it up
The family you work for runs payroll through KinPayroll — usually with the person you care for as the household employer. There's nothing for you to sign up for or pay.
You get a clean pay stub
Each pay period your pay is logged and a pay stub is generated, with Social Security and Medicare taxes accounted for.
Your W-2 is ready in January
At year-end you get a W-2 summarizing your wages and withholdings, so filing your own taxes is straightforward.
Starting a new arrangement? Put the basics in writing with our free caregiver pay agreement template — pay, hours, duties, and time off on one printable page.
Make sure you're set up to be paid right.
Whoever you work for can start free, log every payment, and have your W-2 ready at year-end — no scramble in January, no cash to explain.
Free accountNo credit cardW-2 at year-end