How Poppins works
A few clicks, a couple smiles, and payroll’s done!
Sign up in minutes
Check, check, and paycheck!
- Enter your employer information (that’s you) and employee information (that’s who you’re paying) once — and only once.
- We’ll use your answers to instantly auto-populate all of the other forms you’ll need.
- We’ll set you up as an employer with the IRS, get your federal employer identification number, and handle state and local registrations (where possible).
- We even file your new-hire paperwork with the right agencies for you.
Enter employee details
Our streamlined dashboard makes updates easy if you need to make a change.
- Add in your employee’s name, address, Social Security number, and start date.
- Enter pay rate, pay schedule, and preferred payment method (direct deposit or check).
- Specify PTO and sick leave policies — we’ll track balances and add them to paystubs automatically.
- Want health insurance or workers' compensation for your employees? We recommend working with our partners at Take Command Health and Bhalu.
Run payroll
Seamless paydays, every time — no guesswork required.
- We calculate withholdings automatically based on the latest tax laws (no need to keep up with changes).
- If your employee’s pay rate and hours stay the same each pay period, payroll runs automatically—no need to lift a finger.
- You’ll always get a clear payday email with all the details.
Sign off on your taxes
We handle the paperwork and payments so you don’t have to.3
- We prepare, file, and pay all federal, state, and local taxes on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis dependent on your state's requirements.
- At year-end, we also prepare your Schedule H and your employee’s W-2, plus handle all required reporting forms.
- We maintain a secure digital archive of your payroll and tax documents for five years.
Start now, and you'll get an extra month free.2
Because doing the right thing should feel simple and delightful.
Why families love Poppins
Trusted automation
No deadline dread. No math headaches.
Ultimate flexibility
Direct deposit, check, or an app – your choice.
Paperless precision
Everything filed electronically (wherever possible) for speed and accuracy.
Peace of mind
We keep your records safe and accessible anytime.
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.
Yes! Poppins is available in every state in the US, with experts who know the ins and outs of every state’s rules.
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.
We specialize in household payroll only — it’s a different world from business payroll. For small businesses, we recommend our trusted partner, Gusto.
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.
You can create your Poppins account any time before your nanny’s first paycheck.
We recommend completing full onboarding about one week before your nanny’s start date. This includes linking a valid U.S. bank account and adding your employee’s information.
Giving yourself that week ensures everything is ready before the first payroll run. Since Poppins processes payroll in arrears, your nanny will be paid one full week after the work week is completed.
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.