A Complete Tax Guide for Au Pairs in the US
🧾 Everything Au Pairs Need to Know About Taxes in the United States
Every year, thousands of Au Pairs move to the U.S. to live with host families and take part in a unique cultural exchange experience.
To help you stay compliant and confident, we’ve created this complete guide to explain your tax obligations as an Au Pair — clearly and simply.
🏠 About the Au Pair Program
An Au Pair is a person between 18 and 26 years old who travels from their home country to the U.S. under a J-1 cultural exchange visa.
They live with an American host family, help with childcare (up to 45 hours per week), and attend classes.
The program typically lasts one year, with the possibility of extension if you meet all requirements.
Being an Au Pair is an incredible opportunity to experience American life, improve your English, and gain new skills — but it also comes with tax responsibilities.
💵 Do Au Pairs Have to Pay Taxes?
Yes.
The stipend you receive from your host family is considered taxable income by the IRS.
Since Au Pairs are classified as nonresidents, they must pay federal income tax on all U.S.-earned income — even if it wasn’t withheld during the year.
Depending on your state, you may also owe state income tax (some states, however, don’t impose one).
If no taxes were deducted from your weekly stipend, you must pay them directly to the IRS when you file your annual tax return.
🧮 Residency for Tax Purposes
Most Au Pairs are nonresident aliens for tax purposes.
However, if you’ve been in the U.S. for more than two years, you’ll need to take the Substantial Presence Test to confirm your status.
Filing with the wrong residency classification can lead to IRS fines or visa issues — so always double-check before you file.
🚫 What Taxes Are Au Pairs Exempt From?
As a nonresident alien, your Au Pair wages are exempt from Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes.
However, if you’ve previously been in the U.S. as a student, trainee, or teacher under another visa (F, J, M, or Q), you may be considered a resident for tax purposes — and subject to these taxes.
✂️ Tax Deductions & Credits
Most Au Pairs cannot claim the standard or itemized deductions allowed to U.S. residents.
They are not eligible for:
❌ Lifetime Learning Credit
❌ Hope Credit
❌ Earned Income Tax Credit
📅 Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
Instead of paying your total tax at the end of the year, you can make quarterly payments to stay on track.
To do this, you’ll file Form 1040NR-ES (Estimated Tax for Nonresidents) with the IRS each quarter, or pay your full balance when filing your 1040NR annual return.
💡 Tip: J1 Summer Tax Back offers an Au Pair Tax Calculator and Quarterly Payment Scheduler to help you estimate and plan your payments — making it easier to stay compliant and avoid large tax bills.
🧾 Filing Your Income Tax Return
Every Au Pair must file a federal tax return (Form 1040NR) by April 15, 2025 for the 2024 tax year.
Depending on where you lived or worked, you might also need to file a state tax return.
Keep these documents handy:
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Passport
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Visa (J-1)
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Form DS-2019
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Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
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Any income statements from your host family
⚠️ I Filed Incorrectly! What Should I Do?
Don’t panic — mistakes happen!
If you filed using the wrong residency or missed income, you can file an amended return with the IRS to correct it.
J1 Summer Tax Back can help you review, correct, and resubmit your documents properly to avoid penalties.
🚨 What Happens If an Au Pair Doesn’t Pay Taxes?
Not paying your taxes is considered a violation of U.S. law.
This can lead to fines, legal trouble, and even problems with future U.S. visas.
Paying your taxes correctly ensures your record stays clean — and that you can return to the U.S. for future programs or travel without worry.
✅ J1 Summer Tax Back: Helping Au Pairs File the Right Way
With our easy online tools, you can:
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Calculate your federal tax liability
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Set up manageable quarterly payments
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File your federal and state returns
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Stay 100% compliant with the IRS
🚀 Get started today with J1 Summer Tax Back and simplify your Au Pair tax filing process!