Any bookkeeping, business or tax article contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor can it be used to avoid tax-related penalties. If desired, we would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired consultation services.

Tax Implications When Employed in the Family Business

March 1, 2023

Tax Implications When Employed in the Family Business

When a family member employs someone, the tax implications depend on the relationship and the type of business. Taxpayers and employers need to understand their tax situation. Here is what to know:

Married People in Business Together

Generally, a qualified joint venture whose only members are a married couple filing a joint return isn’t treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes.
Someone who works for their spouse is considered an employee if the first spouse makes the business’s management decisions and the second spouse is under the direction of the first spouse.
The wages for someone who works for their spouse are subject to income tax withholding and Social Security and Medicare taxes, but not to FUTA tax.

Children Employed by Their Parents

If the business is a parent’s sole proprietorship or a partnership in which both partners are parents of the child:

Wages paid to a child of any age are subject to income tax withholding.
Wages paid to a child age 18+ are subject to social security and Medicare taxes.
Wages paid to a child age 21+ are subject to Federal Unemployment Tax Act

If the business is a corporation, estate, or a partnership in which one or no partners are parents of the child:

Payments for services of a child are subject to income tax withholding, social security taxes, Medicare taxes, and FUTA taxes, regardless of age.

Parents Employed by Their Child

If the business is a child’s sole proprietorship:

Payments for services of a parent are subject to income tax withholding, social security taxes, and Medicare taxes.
Payments for services of a parent are not subject to FUTA tax regardless of the type of services provided.

If the business is a corporation, a partnership, or an estate:

The payments for the services of a parent are subject to income tax withholding, social security taxes, Medicare taxes, and FUTA taxes.

If the parent is performing services for the child but not for the child’s trade or business:

Payments for services of a parent are not subject to social security and Medicare taxes unless the services are for domestic services and several other criteria apply.
Payments for services of a parent are not subject to FUTA tax regardless of the type of services provided.

Questions?

Many people work for a family member, whether a child is helping at their parent’s shop or spouses running a business together. If you are one of them, your tax situation may be more complicated than you think. Please call the office for assistance if you need help understanding how your work situation affects your taxes.