Paid Babysitters

[tborgal]

We have an issue with babysitters for church programs. Do we pay them, how do we pay them, are they considered employees, etc.? I was wondering how others handle this. We are looking at a 34 week bible study which would cost over the $600 threshold for issuing a 1099. Any feedback would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

[NeilZ]

We have an issue with babysitters for church programs. Do we pay them, how do we pay them, are they considered employees, etc.? I was wondering how others handle this. We are looking at a 34 week bible study which would cost over the $600 threshold for issuing a 1099. Any feedback would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

I would consider them an independent contractor, and issue a 1099. Otherwise you'd have to do the entire setup for Federal, state & local income taxes, etc.

[JohnDMeyers]

We issue 1099's in that case. Most likely, babysitters will 1) not have to file a tax return, or 2) not have to pay any taxes if they do.

I think the threshold for having to file a tax return for singles is around $9,500.

For what it's worth, this also allows us to raise the bar on who our church permits to serve as babysitters. We require them to go through a CSAP course, and also Red Cross life safety training. We offer training in both throughout the year at regular intervals.