What can I use as an alternative if my childcare provider doesn't print receipts?

[SuperMom]

I am currently looking for a in home childcare provider. I think found the wright one but my husband won't let me go with her because he needs receipts when we file our taxes. What can I get from her every time we pay as proof? If it is a written statement what s]information should be on it? Thanks!

[card_ron]

If you keep a log of what you pay her and why, that coupled with your canceled checks should be sufficient proof. Be VERY CAREFUL, though. If she is an in-home childcare provider she may not be an independent contractor but a household employee. If she is a household employee, you will be required to withhold FICA taxes, federal income tax, and perhaps state and local taxes, as well as pay the employer's share of FICA.

[tro]

if she is an individual, you will need her name, address, and SS# to be able to claim child care credit on your taxes
therefore if you cannot get this information from her and this is an important part of your tax return, find someone else
if you can get this information and you pay her, be sure each time it is with something that you can prove payment ie check, or you can get a book of receipts at any stationery store where you can record the information you need and she signs each one as you pay her

[Bostonian_In_MO]

1. Pay by CHECK. Keep accurate records of all payments and copies of all canceled checks.

2. Before you pay a dime, get a completed Form W-10 from the sitter.

3. If the care is provided in your home, keep in mind that you MUST withhold FICA taxes, pay payroll taxes, and provide her with a W-2 at the end of the year. See IRS Pub 926 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p926.pdf for more information.

[Judy]

Pay by check, and write "child care for Janie (or whoever) on the memo line. Have her fill out a W-9 form when you start.

[hillbillytweethear]

This is what I did..I wrote the child care provider a money orders and also u can have your bank print out a check for the child care provider..There you have 2 ways to keep track all together..You don't really have to have any recipts from her.. Maybe a statement.

[ninasgramma]

I assume this sitter will come to your home. She is your employee.

She doesn't provide documentation of her income, you provide that as her employer. You will need to issue her a W-2. That will be proof to the IRS of your payment.

Since she is your employee, you also need to have her fill out Form I-9 (not W-9, not W-10) and provide her proof of eligibility to work (by a photo ID and Social Security Card).

If you pay cash, give her a statement of the time worked, rate of pay, withholding of income and payroll taxes. You keep a copy of the statement. It would be fine to have her sign your copy of the statement before you give her cash.

It would be better to pay her with a paycheck showing all deductions, just like a regular employer.

In addition to claiming a credit for childcare, file Schedule H with your tax return to pay your required withholding of income and payroll taxes.

[Maria_Phillips]

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