Au Pair Tax Knowledge Base
Everything you need to know about filing US taxes as an au pair. All information is sourced from official IRS publications.
This is general tax information, not professional tax advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified tax professional.
Tax Filing Basics
Who must file, what forms you need, deadlines, and mailing addresses.
Residency Rules
The substantial presence test and why au pairs are nonresident aliens.
Income & Tax Calculation
How au pair wages are taxed, tax brackets, and why there's no standard deduction.
Tax Treaty Benefits
Why au pairs cannot claim treaty benefits on their wages — for any country.
FICA Exemption
The one tax benefit au pairs get: no Social Security or Medicare taxes.
Form 8843
The form every au pair must file to claim exempt individual status.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent errors au pairs make when filing taxes.
Fringe Benefits & Extra Compensation
Gym, phone, car use, bonuses — what's taxable and how to calculate it.