This month we had a Valentine’s meeting at my house. We had a great turnout for a weekday night. We enjoyed Valentine’s treats and au pairs had a great time connecting with each other.
During this meeting, we welcomed new au pairs Chura and Sarah. We also discussed taxes which can feel daunting to au pairs.
For more photos of our meeting, go to Valentine’s 2016
In February, we gathered at my house for Valentine’s Treats. Au pairs shared stories about the significance of Valentine’s Day in their countries and things they might do to celebrate it. At this meeting, we welcomed Justine who joined us from another cluster.
We also talked about how to file taxes. This is something that au pairs are required to do. Although it is a fairly easy process, it can be daunting when you are from a different country and have never done it before.
For more photos go to Valentine’s Photos.
In March, we met at Together in Motion for a yoga class taught by me. 11 au pairs participated and we had a good class.
Afterwards, we gathered for some food and discussions. Taxes were still a big topic as tax day is April 15, and we discussed that in detail. We also had our quarterly childcare/safety meeting and discussed host family expectations with regard to electronics use and engaging children in activities.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures!
In February, we had a Valentine’s meeting at my house which included sweet Valentine’s treats. Since taxes are due in April, we also discussed the process of filing taxes for au pairs. It is an easy process, but it doesn’t feel so easy when you are from a different country and haven’t done it before.
It was nice sitting around the table and chatting. It is always a good chance for au pairs to exchange experiences and get feedback from others. We also said good-bye to Jaque, who left our cluster in January.
This week my au pair group met at my house for a Valentine’s Day celebration. We made heart-shaped pizzas and also enjoyed heart-shaped fruit and cookies as well as Valentine’s candy.
We said good-bye to Lena who is moving to another cluster and to Wi who will be going home to Thailand. We welcomed new arrivals Janice, Malin and Luisa.
We also had a discussion about taxes. Au pairs that are here for more than 18 weeks for the tax year need to file taxes. That can be confusing. Our agency is very helpful in providing the necessary information, but it was helpful to go over it again and get questions answered.
For more photos of our meeting go to Valentine 2013
As April is approaching, it is time for you to think about tax filing. As you should have read and heard general information about your obligation to file taxes, this serves as a reminder to you about the requirement to file taxes on the money that you have earned in the United States in 2011. Those au pairs who earned more than $3,700 in 2011 are responsible to file a tax return.
The issue of taxes can be confusing for au pairs, so Au Pair in America wants to give you some general information about paying taxes to the U.S. government. For general tax information, please click on the link below from the Au Pair in America website:
http://www.aupairinamerica.com/pdf/tax_information_for_aupairs.pdf
Please review the information fully, as it should answer your questions and give you what you need in order to file your taxes. There is a sample 1040NR-EZ form which is filled out with sample information. If you have more specific questions consult a tax advisor or the suggested links within the information sheet.
Au Pair in America is not responsible for the interpretation of the information within this document, or any changes to IRS rules or forms that may occur. Neither Au Pair in America, nor its community counselors, can provide any official tax information, and we recommend that you contact a tax professional if you have any specific questions regarding these matters.
Taxes for income earned in 2011 are due to be filed on or before April 17th of this year.
Taxes have been a big topic lately and I’m sure there are lots of questions. I will go over tax questions at our cluster meeting next week.
Here are some of the basic questions:
Who is supposed to file taxes? – All au pairs (even those who don’t owe money)
Will all au pairs have to pay something? – No, it depends on when you arrived and how much money you earned last year.
When are 2010 taxes due? – April 18, 2011
Where can I get the tax form? – 1040NR-EZ Form
Where can I get the instruction booklet? – 1040NR-EZ Booklet
Where can I get detailed information and see a sample au pair tax form? – APIA Tax Info for Au Pairs
