Not declaring a nanny and taking a "non qualified" nanny - thoughts ?

[monaco]

Hello all

so far, I thought that the only way to have a nanny was to hire a qualified one for whom you pay taxes. Yesterday, I talked to a mother who told me that often families actually often go for a nice student who gets on great with kids and they pay them cash so that they don't pay taxes.

My questions to anyone here is : what are the legal risks of doing that and has anyone have similar experience with a non qualified nanny and what did they think of it ?

As a parent and a nanny I can safely say that if you expect someone to be honest, trustworthy, thorough, kind ,considerate, fair etc etc whilst looking after the most precious and treasured things you possess..........(gasp for air, that was a long sentance)
then you really must afford any potential Nanny the same conduct from yourselves.

It surely cannot be acceptable to sweep your responsibilities under the carpet and expect the highest standards of honesty from others

monaco, sorry you feel that you have been treated unfairly on here.
My post was a generalised statement and not an attack on you personally.
I completely understand what you were trying to achieve by posting your op.
I do think the role and sense of responsibilty a good Nanny upholds can be greatly underestimated.
Paying correct taxes (where applicable) forms a good relationship for all concerned and removes the risk of the Nanny feeling undervalued.
I hope I havent offended you and apologise if I have.

PellMell, thanks for your message. No, you didn't offend me. It was Quatrocento who I found judged me harshly.
As I said, i really apreciated all the points of view and the facts that were given and agree that an honest relationship is best for both parties.
Thanks to all for your help.

You were suggesting paying cash in hand so yes I judged and I judged harshly.

This is because I am a taxpayer, like many/most on this forum. All the dodgy cash in hand deals that happen mean that someone (other taxpayers) have to pay more tax.

monaco without being judgmental...in addition to all the other disadvantages of paying cash in hand (being fined thousands if you are caught not paying ta, nanny not getting a mortgage, nanny dropping you in it with IR if you fall out with her, nanny having something to blackmail you with cos she knows you are doing sthing illegal) your employer's liability insurance will not be valid if you dont register her for tax.
this is the insurance (probably included as standard on your household policy, but check) that covers you if she sues you for accident/injury sustained in your house (eg she falls down your stairs, breaks her leg, cant work for six months and sues you for zillions for having slippery carpet or whatever).
so nevermind the morals, financially it ain't worth it. and having just interviewed scores of nannies myself to find ours, good nannies dont like not being legal and you may find some will turn you down if they know you wont pay their taxes.
as you are not looking for many days have you thought about nanny sharing? it would cut the cost without being dodgy. good luck - we found simplychildcare (a listings mag if you are in london) was great for finding nannies and it's only about £40 for an ad to run for five issues. look at simplychildcare.com

Woodstock3,thanks very much for your help. I am definitely convinced to be legal and to pay taxes thanks to all the helpful information out there.
We thought about nannyshare but my daughter will go to a nursery for 2 days a week and I'd rathr that she doesn't have too many different environment to get used to.
I will start the process of looking for a nanny myself so any tip, (such as the website you give) or advice is welcome. If anyone also knows a good nanny, let me know.
BTW, is it worth hiring an agency to find a nanny ? I saw "littleones" on the web and they looked good. Maybe I shoudl start another thread on this.

Well nannies will register with agencies, but also look independently.

I don't know whether it's worth your while if you're going to look around on your own anyway!