Tax Break for Hiring Your Own Kids This Summer

Tax Break for Hiring Your Own Kids This Summer

Summer is here, and while most people are thinking about vacations and beach days, small business owners have a unique opportunity to take advantage of an often-overlooked tax break—hiring their own kids. Not only can this help your business, but it also offers a valuable learning experience for your children. In this blog, we’ll uncover the benefits of hiring your kids, the tax breaks available, and how to make the most of this opportunity.

Why Hire Your Kids

Financial Savings

One of the most compelling reasons for hiring your children is the financial savings. When you hire your kids, you get to deduct their wages as a business expense, which reduces your taxable income. This can lead to significant savings, especially if you’re in a high tax bracket.

Valuable Experience

Hiring your kids provides them with invaluable work experience. They get to learn the ins and outs of running a business, develop a strong work ethic, and gain skills that will serve them well in their future careers. Plus, it instills a sense of responsibility and discipline that can be beneficial in all areas of life.

Keeping It in the Family

When you hire family members, you know you can trust them. This can be particularly reassuring for small business owners who may be concerned about employee reliability. Family members are often more dedicated and committed to the success of the business.

Tax Benefits Explained

Deductible Wages

The IRS allows you to deduct wages paid to your children as a business expense. This means that every dollar you pay them reduces your taxable income, leading to potential significant tax savings.

FICA Exemption

If your child is under 18 and works in your sole proprietorship or partnership where both partners are parents, their wages are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA). This can save you even more money, as you won’t have to pay these payroll taxes.

Standard Deduction

Your child can use their standard deduction to offset their income, meaning they may pay little to no income tax on their earnings. For 2024, the standard deduction for a single filer is $14,600, and it increases each year based on inflation. If your child has other sources of income, they can still use their standard deduction to offset their earnings from working for your business.

Important Considerations

While hiring your kids can offer significant tax benefits, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Fair Compensation

The wages you pay your children must be reasonable for the work they are doing. The IRS will not allow you to deduct excessive amounts or pay below minimum wage. Keep accurate records of hours worked and the duties performed to support the wages paid.

Age Restrictions

As mentioned earlier, FICA exemption only applies to children under 18. If your child is over 18, they will be subject to payroll taxes like any other employee.

Documentation

It’s crucial to have proper documentation in place when hiring your children. This includes having a formal employment agreement outlining their duties and compensation, as well as keeping track of their hours worked and pay rate.

Conclusion

Hiring family members can provide significant tax benefits for small business owners. However, it’s essential to follow IRS guidelines and keep accurate records to ensure these deductions are valid. Consult with a tax professional or use reliable accounting software to ensure compliance and maximize potential savings. By hiring your children and following the rules, you can both support your business and teach valuable financial lessons to your kids. So, it’s a win-win situation for both parties involved.

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