Many Au Pairs are surprised to learn the fact that Au Pairs are required to file U.S. taxes. Taxes can feel overwhelming, even U.S. citizens often find taxes confusing, but filing is a required part of participating in the Au Pair program. Filing taxes is an important piece of the American cultural experience and everyone has to do it.
Taxes are complex and the way Au Pairs file taxes is different from the average American citizen. In this article we will explain what U.S. taxes are, why Au Pairs have to file them and how to file the right way.*
What are Taxes and Why do Au Pairs Have to File?
Income taxes occur on the federal (nationwide) level and at the state level to support federal and state services like roads, emergency services, safety services, and other community services.
The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is the federal government agency responsible for collecting federal taxes. Although Au Pairs are defined as a family member for the cultural exchange program, the IRS considers Au Pairs to be an “employee” of the Host Family and the stipend is classified as “wages”. Therefore, the IRS determines stipend earnings as subject to income taxes.
“Tax season” runs from January 1 to April 15 every year. During this time everyone in America reconciles their taxes owed to the federal and state governments based on earnings from the previous calendar year. Taxes are always due by April 15th (unless April 15th falls on a weekend or a government holiday). Au Pairs typically owe money to the federal government for income tax (about 10-12% of what was earned) because taxes are not withheld from stipend payments as part of the Au Pair program.
Filing taxes is not optional. It is a legal requirement tied to your participation in the U.S. Au Pair program. Even if your “income”, in an Au Pair’s case their stipend, seems small or you believe no taxes are owed, filing correctly is still mandatory.
If you were physically present in the United States in J1 Au Pair status between January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 you must file taxes by the tax deadline on April 15, 2026.
How are Au Pair Taxes Different?
Au Pairs are typically considered non-residents for tax purposes and filing taxes as a resident or a non-resident is a huge difference. Because Au Pairs live in the home with their Host Family they are not subject to tax withholding. This means Au Pairs do not receive a W2 or Form 941. Au Pairs are also not subject to Social Security or Medicare (FICA) taxes.
Au Pairs who have lived in the U.S. for more than 2 years (including previous visa programs) should take the free Substantial Presence Test to determine residency status for tax purposes and may file taxes differently than other Au Pairs.
Penalties of Not Filing Taxes
Failure to file taxes can results in negative impacts on you. Taking care of your taxes now can help you avoid stress and complications later.
Penalties could include:
- IRS fines and penalties
- Delays or problems with future U.S. visa applications
- Difficulties adjusting or changing your visa status
- Issues when returning to the U.S. for travel or study
Help with Filing Taxes
You are ultimately responsible for filing and paying your own taxes. Taxes are important and complex and many Americans work with tax professionals to file and pay federal and state taxes. Go Au Pair strongly encourages Au Pairs to work with a licensed tax professional such as Sprintax to e-File your federal taxes and receive assistance with your state tax return. Sprintax charges a small fee for their federal and state tax services.
Be aware of tax scams and fraudulent tax companies! Only work with reputable companies or a licensed accountant if you pay for tax services. Sprintax is a safe and reliable tax professional. They participate in Alliance, WETM-IAC and IAPA J-1 conferences and Go Au Pair staff have personally met with Sprintax representatives.
*Go Au Pair is not licensed to provide official tax advice. Any information or comments contained in this article are merely suggestions or recommended topics to discuss with a professional Tax Advisor or IRS. As tax laws are continually being amended, and are sometimes too complex for non-tax professional persons to instruct on, we encourage Host Families and Au Pairs to consult a tax professional, such as Sprintax, or directly contact the IRS for definitive answers regarding your specific situation.
