US taxes for au pairs — what you actually owe

Yes, au pairs pay taxes. Your weekly stipend is taxable income at the federal level (and sometimes state level).\n\n**You do NOT pay** Social Security or Medicare tax, because you are a non-resident alien on a J-1 visa (for your first 2 calendar years in the US).\n\n**You DO pay** federal income tax. Most au pairs owe a few hundred dollars for the year.\n\n**Forms:** File Form 1040-NR by April 15. Sprintax is the most common paid tool. Some sponsors offer discount codes.\n\n**Save as you go.** Put 10-15% of your stipend aside each week so April is not a shock.