Housekeeping: Benefits of Being Paid Legally

The nanny and housekeeping profession provides higher salaries than any other segment of the childcare industry which includes daycare, in-home childcare, preschool and even sometimes teaching. Each of these forms of childcare is considered to be paid "on the books". Yet this seems to be regularly avoided until something serious causes an employer or employee to change their position. Breedlove & Associates is a tax and payroll service company for Household Employers. They are the leading company in the nation for this type of service. Here is what they have to say about the "the benefits of being paid legally".

1) The benefits of being paid legally are numerous, and you really can't afford to be without them. As a professional, you should expect nothing less. Once you take a look at the benefits, you'll agree that being paid legally is the way to go!

2) Employment History. Being paid legally creates an employment history that is critical to daily life. If your employment is not documented, it is as if you do not work. An employment history is required for a car loan, a mortgage, a student loan, a credit loan, a credit card application, a health insurance application, an auto insurance application and all future job applications.

3) Unemployment Insurance. When paid legally, you are entitled to receive approximately 50% of your salary up to six months if you lose your job due to no fault of your own. This benefit is free to you as your employer pays the cost of the program.

4. Social Security/Medicare Benefits. For many, taking advantage of these benefits is years away, but consider these tax withholdings as a good investment.

5. Disability Benefits. In many states, you pay State Disability Insurance as a part of the taxes withheld from your pay. If you must take the time away from work due to nonoccupational illness or maternity leave, you are entitled to benefits while you are away from work.

6. Negotiating Salary. Negotiating salary "on the books" can have a positive result, if you are prepared. Your employers are professionals and are used to negotiating before tax salaries, not take home salaries. Talking in gross terms is important as you look at the entire benefit package.

Being legal is not only the law, it also provides great benefits, which you as the professional richly deserve.