How to invoice as a nanny or babysitter

Invoice or payroll?

Occasional babysitters often simply invoice or are paid per evening. A regular nanny working in a family’s home is, in many countries, the family’s employee and should be paid through payroll rather than by invoice. In the US, see IRS Publication 926 (Household Employer’s Tax Guide) or ask a household payroll specialist. Either way, an accurate record of hours is the starting point.

What to include on the invoice

• Your name and contact details
• The family’s name
• Invoice number and date
• Period covered, with dates and hours for each day
• Hourly rate and subtotal
• Approved expenses, with receipts
• Total due and due date
• How to pay you

Siblings

If you look after siblings at the same time, agree with the family whether your rate is per family or per child, and bill each hour once on that basis. Do not bill the same hour twice because two children were present unless that is what you agreed.

Invoicing in NannyLog

NannyLog generates an invoice from the hours you tracked, at your rate for that family, with your “How to pay me” details printed on it. Share it as a PDF; parents can also see it in their app. Invoiced hours are marked so they are never billed twice. Invoicing is part of NannyLog Premium.