How to File Taxes (for Au pairs)

I hear this question from many of my au pair friends. Since au pairs are here new in the US, they are not very familiar with the US tax system. I will explain how to file taxes as an au pair in 5 simple steps:

Download this document. It’s called Form 1040NR-EZ
Calculate how much you have earned during the previous calendar year (For example, If you are filing your taxes in 2018, you should calculate how much you earned in 2017)
- Use this simple method to calculate your earnings:
  Let’s say you were an au pair for 40 weeks in the last year. It means you earned $7,830 ($195.75 x 40 weeks)
Fill out the form you downloaded
- On line 3, 7, 10, and 12: Enter the total amount you earned in 2017 (It’s $7,830 in our example)
- On line 11: Enter 0
- On line 13: Enter $4,050 (exemption amount for 2017)
- On line 14: Subtract the exemption amount ($4,050) from your income reported on line 12. This is your taxable income amount ($3,780 in our example. $7,830 – $4,050 = $3,780)
- On line 17 and 25: This is the amount you owe. Find your taxable income amount (line 14) in the 2017 Tax tables (starting at page 23 of Document Instructions for Form 1040NR-EZ) (It’s $378 in our example)
- Sign and enter date at the bottom of the first page
Pay the amount you owe in taxes (The amount you entered in line 17 and 25. It’s $378 in our example). Pay it online with your debit or credit card. You can also use the app called IRS2Go
Put your form into an envelope and stick a stamp. Send the envelope to this address:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Austin, TX 73301-0215 U.S.A.