The easiest way to pay your household employee
Smart, simple, compliant payroll for just $49*/month. Set it up once and we take care of the rest.
Household payroll, as easy as 1-2-3
Get set up with a free trial2
Sign up in minutes and get the rest of the month free.
Use your free trial to explore features and even run payroll.
We’ll start working on registering you as a household employer with the IRS, get your federal EIN, set up your state accounts (where possible), and file the new-hire paperwork with your state.
Pay your employee with total confidence
Pick the pay schedule that works for you — weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly — based on your state’s rules.
We’ll handle the calculations, you choose how to pay — direct deposit or check. Once your PTO and sick time policies are set, tracking leave is easy peasy!
Taxes, filing, and records? Done
We track deadlines, file your federal, state, and local taxes online (where possible), and make sure every payment is precise and perfect. Lovely, isn’t it?
Built with childcare caregivers in mind
Poppins is designed specifically for families employing nannies, babysitters, and other in-home childcare providers. Every feature works for the way you hire and pay.
Stay on track
According to the IRS, if you pay a nanny or babysitter more than $2,800 in a year or $1,000 in a quarter, you’re considered a household employer. That means you’re responsible for payroll taxes and other requirements. Poppins helps you get compliant from day one.
Done-for-you registration
We obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), file your state’s new hire report, and set up your tax accounts (wherever we can) so you’re ready to pay legally.
Customizable payroll
Easily tailor payroll to your needs — from adding reimbursements (like mileage or meals) to setting special rates for overnights or solo care during a nanny share.
Paycheck calculations
We help manage Social Security, Medicare, unemployment (when applicable), and state and local taxes—so your nanny can be protected and you can avoid costly mistakes.
Support for you — and your employees
Poppins offers full-service support to both you and your caregiver. From answering tax questions to helping your nanny understand their paystubs and benefits, we make sure everyone feels supported.
Support for nanny shares
Sharing a nanny? No problem. Each family is treated as its own employer, giving you full flexibility while keeping payroll simple for everyone.
Start now, and we’ll pick up the tab for the rest of the month.2
Because doing the right thing should feel simple and delightful.
The Poppins promise
We take care of the details. So you can focus on what really matters.
Doing it right, made easy
We turn complex household tax rules into child’s play—handling forms and deadlines so you stay in the clear.
Precise where it counts
Numbers are our jam. Every paycheck, every tax filing, and every payment—accurate and on-time.
Fair, transparent pricing
We believe in “what’s fair and square.” That means a simple, low monthly rate with no setup costs. Cancel anytime.
Peace of mind, start to finish
Tax talk can be, well, taxing. Rest easy knowing we’ve got real humans ready to help you in seconds.
Why 65,000+ customers love Poppins
FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
The $49/month subscription fee includes household payroll services for one employee. It covers payroll processing, tax payments, quarterly filings, and year-end tax documents (W-2, W-3, and Schedule H) for active accounts.
Poppins handles federal and state tax account registrations as required, based on applicable employment laws and thresholds. You can manage payroll through your personalized dashboard — choosing weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly pay schedules (unless restricted by state rules).
We can process payments by direct deposit or you can issue checks (or electronic transfers) yourself. At the end of each quarter, we’ll collect the applicable state and federal taxes and submit them along with all required reports.
If your account is closed before the end of a quarter or calendar year, preparation or submission of those filings will be billed separately. Additional fees may apply for state registrations, amended filings, or prior-period payroll adjustments.
Nannies, babysitters, and most in-home childcare providers are household employees because you determine their schedule, workplace, and responsibilities.
If you pay more than $2,800 in a year or $1,000 in a quarter, you must pay Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes, plus any state-specific taxes.
Legal pay gives your nanny benefits like Social Security and Medicare credits, unemployment insurance, and in some states, disability or paid family leave — while protecting you from fines or legal issues.
Your nanny must fill out Form I-9 (to verify work eligibility) and Form W-4 (for federal tax elections), plus any state tax forms. Poppins provides and guides you through them.
Some states require one, but even if yours doesn’t, a written agreement is highly recommended. Poppins provides sample contracts you can customize.
Yes. For active customers, we prepare, file, and pay all required federal, state, and local taxes on time, every time, with guaranteed accuracy. Plus, we also handle year-end W-2s and employer forms for active customers.
Yes. Each family is considered a separate household employer. That means each sets up their own Poppins account and issues their own W-2s. We’ll guide you through it step by step.
We’ve got you covered. You can set multiple hourly rates (plus overtime and reimbursements) right in your dashboard.
Because household payroll is trickier than business payroll. We focus only on families like yours, so we know the rules inside out — from overtime laws to PTO accruals.