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March 21, 2023
Question

hiring minor child

  • March 21, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views

First time hiring my child to do tasks in my self employed business.  I did not complete a W2.  Is it too late to use her services as a deduction in 2022?

    2 replies

    March 21, 2023

    No, it's not too late. If there were wages paid to your child, you can deduct those wages as one of your business expenses in the Business Income and Expense section of TurboTax self-employed (there should be a line labeled Wages or payroll). This is all you need to do in regards to your child's wages on the tax return.

     

    There are some rules to keep in mind if your are paying your child a wage in your business:

    • Your child needs to be performing a useful function to your business. You can't pay your child to do household chores.
    • You don't need to withhold social security and medicare tax if your business is a sole proprietorship or a partnership where both parents make up all the partners in the business for wages to your children who are under 18.
    • You need to provide your children with W-2s.
    • You must maintain documentation to prove the hourly rate paid, the number of hours worked, and the amount earned during each payroll period in the event of an audit by the IRS.
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    Employee
    March 21, 2023

    You can still issue a W-2 but subject to a late fee of $110. 

    March 21, 2023

    Thank you.  So, if I use turbo tax to help me create the W2, Turbo tax will calculate the fee I owe the IRS for late filing of the W2. Is that correct?  

    What about a W4 or other forms?  Should I have done those as well?

    Employee
    March 22, 2023

    The IRS will levy the penalty if you have one at all. No W-4 required.