Tax Guide for Au Pairs in the United States
If you’re considering being an 🌟Au Pair🌟 in the United States, you’re probably wondering about taxes and how to tackle this fiscal challenge. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to understand and navigate the US tax system.
The Tax Moves Blog
An au pair comes to the USA as an 🌟exchange visitor🌟 with a J-1 visa that lasts for one year. Au pairs may be eligible to participate in an extension period if they meet all the requirements to do so. In addition to federal taxes, you must also file 🌟state taxes🌟 according to the state where you reside.
1. Considerations on Tax Residency
In most cases, au pairs are considered 🌟non-residents🌟 for tax purposes while they are in the United States. However, it is important to note that if the au pair has been in the country for more than two years, they will need to take the 🌟substantial presence test🌟 to determine their tax residency.In addition to 🌟federal taxes🌟, you must also file 🌟state taxes🌟according to the state where you reside.
2. About Au pair earnings
As an au pair, it is common to receive a💵stipend💵or salary from the host family as compensation for taking care of their children and related tasks. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the au pair stipend is considered wages 🌟and must report their stipend income to the IRS.
3. What about the cost that an au pair must pay for taxes?
As an au pair in the United States, it is important to set aside between 10% and 15% of your income to cover federal taxes. Saving approximately $20 per week can make the tax payment process easier at the end of the fiscal year.
4. What taxes are Au Pairs exempt?
The 🌟FICA tax🌟 , also known as the payroll tax, is used to fund the Social Security and Medicare programs in the United States. However, due to the nature of the J-1 visa used by au pairs, they are considered “non-resident aliens” for tax purposes during the first years of their stay, which grants them an exemption from these taxes.
1. Learn everything about J1 visa taxes — our complete 2026 step-by-step guide for nonresident workers with W-2 income.
2. Estimate your refund instantly with our J1 visa tax calculator — no signup required.
3. Compare Form 1040 vs 1040NR for J1 visa holders and find out which one applies to you.
4. Understand the importance of your DS-2019 form — it defines your program, tax status, and eligibility.
Forms & Tax Documents
5. Did you receive a 1099 instead of a W-2? Here’s what to do — Form 1099 for J1 visa workers explained.
6. Learn how to apply for your SSN or ITIN as a J1 visa holder before filing your taxes.
7. Understand your IRS transcripts for J1 visa taxes — what they show and how to request them.
8. Received a Form 1042-S? Discover what it means and how to include it in your tax return.
9. Find your Form W-2 for J1 visa — and learn what each box means when you file.
10. File correctly using the official Form 1040NR for J1 visa holders — step-by-step.
11. Don’t forget your Form 8843 — it’s mandatory even if you had no income.
12. Check this J1 visa tax return example using Form 1040NR to understand how everything fits together.
Special Cases & IRS Resources
13. Missed the April deadline? Learn how to file J1 visa taxes after April and still get your refund.
14. Review official IRS guidance on Taxation of J-1 visa holders and resident status.
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