US Tax Tools

Au Pair Tax Calculator

Convert weekly host-family stipends into a nonresident federal income-tax estimate and screen whether J-1 exempt days still support the usual Form 1040-NR treatment.

J-1 au pair wage estimate
Estimated federal income tax is $1,118; plan roughly $280 per quarter if nothing is withheld.

Estimated federal tax

$1,118

Estimated balance

$1,118

Au pair wages

$11,180

Taxable income

$11,180

Typical J-1 NRA FICA treatment

Usually exempt

Most nonresident au pairs cannot claim the standard deduction. Treaty benefits and state returns vary; payments from a host family remain taxable wages even when no Form W-2 is issued.

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What this estimate covers

  • Uses nonresident graduated rates without an automatic standard deduction.
  • Treats host-family stipends as wages and shows a quarterly planning amount.
  • Screens J-1 exempt days and stops when resident-alien treatment may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Are au pair stipends taxable?

Yes. The IRS treats payments from the host family as taxable wages even when the host family does not withhold federal income tax.

Do J-1 au pairs pay Social Security and Medicare tax?

Wages are usually exempt while the au pair remains a J-1 nonresident alien. Prior U.S. visits or a change to resident-alien status can change that result.

Which federal return does an au pair file?

Most nonresident au pairs file Form 1040-NR and Form 8843. A resident alien generally uses a resident Form 1040 instead.

Sources

Related Calculators

Last updated August 5, 2026 Tax year 2025 filing and 2026 planning estimate

Data sources: IRS Au Pairs guidance IRS Publication 926 IRS Publication 519 Form 1040-NR instructions

This tool is general information only, not financial advice.

Reviewed by USTax Tools Editorial Desk

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