No one likes a surprise tax bill.
That’s why we’ve worked with the state over the years to help IHSS providers who live with their consumers understand how to better prepare for your annual tax liability. Because so many of us spoke out about needing clarity and guidance, the California Department of Social Services put together a helpful guide explaining how to fill out W-4 (for federal) and DE-4 (for state) forms to increase our tax withholdings.
Provider Fact Sheet – Armenian
Provider Fact Sheet – Chinese (traditional)
Provider Fact Sheet – English
Provider Fact Sheet – Korean
Provider Fact Sheet – Russian
Provider Fact Sheet – Spanish
Provider Fact Sheet – Vietnamese
For those of us who live with our consumer and those of us who are a spouse or parent provider, we don’t pay income taxes on our IHSS earnings. Those of us who care for people outside of our own home do pay taxes on that income. However, it’s important to remember that if a live-in, spouse, or parent provider has other work income—perhaps from a part-time job or another IHSS consumer outside of that provider’s home—then we’ll owe taxes on that income.
One way to help make sure we’re able to cover our tax obligations (and avoid a big tax bill at tax time every year) is to have a little bit extra set aside from each paycheck throughout the year.
To do that, follow the instructions outlined in this guide:
Provider Fact Sheet – Armenian
Provider Fact Sheet – Chinese (traditional)
Provider Fact Sheet – English
Provider Fact Sheet – Korean
Provider Fact Sheet – Russian
Provider Fact Sheet – Spanish
Provider Fact Sheet – Vietnamese
Important last steps:
- When you’re ready to submit your forms, please check in with your county as different counties have different processes around submitting this paperwork. Some counties prefer that providers drop off the forms at county offices instead of mailing them. Other counties prefer that you mail your paperwork directly to IHSS payroll management in Sacramento.
- Be sure to enter your client’s information including the EIN (case number) as the employer and not IHSS.
If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your union’s Member Action Center at (855) 810-2015.