The easiest way to pay your household employee
Smart, simple, supportive payroll for just $49/month1. Set it up once and we take care of the rest. Cancel anytime.
The easiest way to pay your household employee
Smart, simple, supportive payroll for just $49/month1. Set it up once and we take care of the rest. Cancel anytime.
4.9
/5
Google rating
65,000
+
Families served since 2016
98
%
Calls answered in 15 secs or less
50
Available across all 50 states
100
%
Focused on household payroll
1
Named best household payroll service by Forbes
Services
Poppins is perfect for
Childcare
Automate payroll and filings for nannies, babysitters, and tutors.
Senior care
Simplify pay, overtime, and taxes for caregivers, companions, and aides.
Household employees
Payroll for housekeepers, gardeners, assistants, and anyone else who keeps your home running smoothly.
How it works
Household payroll, as easy as 1-2-3
1
Get set up with a free trial2
Sign up in minutes and get the rest of the month free.
Use your free trial to explore features and even run payroll.
We’ll start working on registering you as a household employer with the IRS, get your federal EIN, set up your state accounts (where possible), and file the new-hire paperwork with your state.
2
Pay your employee with total confidence
Pick the pay schedule that works for you — weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly — based on your state’s rules.
We’ll handle the calculations, you choose how to pay — direct deposit or check. Once your PTO and sick time policies are set, tracking leave is easy peasy!
3
Taxes, filing, and records? Done
We track deadlines, file your federal, state, and local taxes online (where possible), and make sure every payment is precise and perfect. Lovely, isn’t it?
Our guarantee
The Poppins promise
We take care of the details. So you can focus on what really matters.
Doing it right, made easy
We turn complex household tax rules into child’s play—handling forms and deadlines so you stay in the clear.
Precise where it counts
Numbers are our jam. Every paycheck, every tax filing, and every payment—accurate and on-time.
Fair, transparent pricing
We believe in “what’s fair and square.” That means a simple, low monthly rate with no setup costs. Cancel anytime.
Peace of mind, start to finish
Tax talk can be, well, taxing. Rest easy knowing we’ve got real humans ready to help you in seconds.
Features
Everything you need to manage your household employee
From A for accuracy to Z for zero stress, we know household payroll as perfectly as our ABCs.
From setup to catch-up
- Employer registration – We’ll register you with the IRS and your state, get your EIN, and file new-hire paperwork — all at no extra cost.1
- Experts in your state’s rules – Every state has its quirks. Our Boulder-based specialists know the ins and outs of each state. Need workers' compensation or health benefits? Work with our partners at Bhalu and Take Command Health.
- Catch-up on prior wages – Behind on filings? No worries. We’ll help you get compliant and make those old tax headaches disappear like magic. Just ask us for a quote!
Payroll made simple
- Paycheck calculations – Goodbye spreadsheets, hello simplicity. We handle gross-to-net pay, withholdings, and federal and state tax liabilities automatically.
- Payments at your preference – Choose direct deposit through Poppins. Or do it yourself with a check, Venmo, Zelle or other money transfer apps... either way, payday is stress-free.
- Time-off tracking – Create custom PTO and sick leave policies. We'll track balances and include them on every paystub.
Household taxes and support, covered
- Household payroll tax filings – From quarterly filings to W-2s, we make tax time feel less taxing, filing what we can and prepping the rest. Plus, we’re paperless wherever possible.
- Flexible, easy payments – Access paystubs, tax forms, and payroll records anytime. We keep everything secure and organized for at least five years.
- Support that actually supports – Our Boulder-based team answers 98% of calls in under 15 seconds. We’re here for both you and your employee.
Start now, and you'll get an extra month free.2
Because doing the right thing should feel simple and delightful.
Why 65,000+ customers love Poppins
FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
What is included for $49 a month¹?
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.
Who counts as a household employee?
Nannies, babysitters, and most in-home childcare providers are household employees because you determine their schedule, workplace, and responsibilities.
How much can I pay my nanny before I owe taxes?
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.
Is Poppins nationwide?
Yes! Poppins is available in every state in the US, with experts who know the ins and outs of every state’s rules.
Why shouldn’t I just pay under the table?
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.
Does Poppins handle small business payroll?
We specialize in household payroll only — it’s a different world from business payroll. For small businesses, we recommend our trusted partner, Gusto.
What forms does my nanny need to complete?
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.
Do I need a written contract with my nanny?
Some states require one, but even if yours doesn’t, a written agreement is highly recommended. Poppins provides sample contracts you can customize.
Will Poppins handle all my tax filings?
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.
If I’m in a nanny share, do all the families have to pay nanny taxes?
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.
What if I’m in a nanny share and I need to pay two different hourly rates?
We’ve got you covered. You can set multiple hourly rates (plus overtime and reimbursements) right in your dashboard.
Why should I use a payroll provider that specializes in household employers?
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.