If you work as a nanny, housekeeper, caregiver, or other household employee, year-end is when your tax paperwork and wage reporting get finalized. This quick checklist covers what you’re responsible for, and what you can expect if your employer uses Poppins Payroll.
1. Confirm You’re a Household Employee (Not a Contractor)
Most household workers are employees, not independent contractors. If your employer sets your schedule and directs your work, you should receive a W-2, not a 1099.
For Poppins users: If your employer uses Poppins, they have already classified you as a household employee. This means you’ll receive a W-2 through Poppins (not a 1099) if your employer elected for Poppins to process one. You can verify this with your employer directly.
2. Know What Tax Forms Apply to You
You should expect a W-2 form by January 31, showing your total wages and any taxes withheld. Federal income tax withholding is optional unless you and your employer agreed to it on Form W-4.
For Poppins users: Poppins automatically tracks your wages and withholdings throughout the year. Your W-2 will be created based on that information (if your employer elected for Poppins to process a W-2), no extra steps required from you.
3. Make Sure Your Personal Information Is Accurate
Before year-end, double-check that your employer has your:
- Legal name
- Social Security Number
- Current address
This ensures your W-2 is correct and avoids delays.
For Poppins users: Poppins prompts employers in December to review and update employee information. We still recommend that employees bring it up proactively, especially if you’ve moved, changed your name, or noticed incorrect information on your paystub.
4. Understand What Your Employer Is Responsible For
Your employer handles:
- Tax calculations and filings
- Social Security and Medicare contributions
- Year-end wage reporting
- Sending you your W-2 by January 31
For Poppins users: Poppins automatically generates W-2s if your employer elected for us to do so in mid-January. Please note that Poppins does not mail a copy of the W-2; you will need to obtain this directly from your employer or you can download it from your Cubby if your employer elected for Poppins to complete it.
- Employers receive a copy that they are required to deliver to you no later than January 31st
- There will be an electronic copy of the W-2 in your Employee Cubby if your employer elected for Poppins to complete one.
5. Review Your W-2 Once You Receive It
When you get your W-2, verify:
- Your SSN is correct
- Your wages look right
- Any Social Security/Medicare withholding matches your pay records
Save a digital and paper version for tax filing.
For Poppins users: Your W-2 will appear in the Tax Forms section of your Employee Cubby if your employer elected for Poppins to complete it. If anything looks incorrect, your employer can contact Poppins support directly. (EEs cannot contact us to correct information; the request must come from the employer as there is a cost involved.
6. If You Use Poppins, Activate Your Employee Cubby
If your employer uses Poppins Payroll, your tax documents will be delivered securely through the Employee Cubby.
- If you’ve already activated it: your W-2 will appear automatically in Tax Documents.
- If you still need to activate: use the secure invitation from your employer to set up your login and verify your SSN.
For Poppins users: Your W-2 will not be emailed or mailed, it will live securely in the Cubby if your employer elected for Poppins to complete it. Activation takes about a minute and ensures you get your forms on time.
Why Year-End Compliance Matters for Employees
Accurate records and a correct W-2 ensure:
- Smooth tax filing
- Proper Social Security and Medicare credit
- Valid proof of income for loans, leases, etc.
For Poppins users: Poppins keeps your pay history and wage totals, organized automatically, so everything stays accurate and up to date without needing to manage your own records. If your employer elected for Poppins to complete your W-2, we will have that listed in your Cubby for download, also!
At-a-Glance Employee To-Do List
Before January
- Confirm name, SSN, and address with employer
- Activate Employee Cubby (if you haven’t yet)
- Keep your pay records handy
Mid-January
- Look for your W-2 (for Poppins users, this appears in your Cubby automatically if your employer elected for Poppins to complete it)
By Jan 31
- Ensure you’ve received your W-2
Tax Season
- File using your W-2
