Hiring your child in your business isn’t just a sentimental idea — it’s one of the most powerful income-shifting and tax-saving strategies available to small business owners. When structured properly, you can deduct their wages, teach them financial responsibility, and keep money in the family — all while complying with the IRS.
This article explains, in practical detail, how to pay your child from your LLC legally, how the IRS views these arrangements, and how to structure everything from payroll setup to documentation.
1. Why Paying Your Child from Your LLC Can Be So Effective
This strategy takes advantage of two powerful tax dynamics:
- Income Shifting: You move income from your higher tax bracket to your child’s much lower bracket — or even zero bracket if their total income is under the standard deduction.
- Deductible Wages: Payments to your child are legitimate business expenses, reducing your taxable income at both the federal and (in most cases) state level.
In essence, you’re turning part of your personal after-tax spending into a business deduction, while creating a valuable financial education opportunity for your child.
2. IRS Rules and Documentation Requirements
The IRS allows family employment arrangements, but only when structured properly. To qualify as a valid deduction:
- The Work Must Be Real and Necessary
Your child must perform legitimate business-related tasks. Common examples include:- Office organization, filing, or scanning documents
- Data entry, bookkeeping assistance, or managing receipts
- Cleaning or maintaining office space
- Website maintenance, photography, or social media posting
- Marketing support (e.g., mailing lists, design assistance, event setup)
- Administrative or research projects
- The Pay Must Be Reasonable
Compensation must reflect fair market value. If similar services would cost $15 per hour, paying your child $40 per hour will likely raise a red flag. - Payment Must Be Documented and Properly Reported
The IRS expects this arrangement to look like any other employment relationship. You should:- Maintain timesheets or work logs.
- Write checks or make direct deposits from the business account.
- Issue a W-2 (not a 1099) if they are treated as employees.
- Keep a detailed job description and wage agreement in your records.
- The Age of the Child Matters
The IRS does not specify a minimum age, but the work performed must be age-appropriate and genuine. For example, a 10-year-old can help organize files, but not handle complex accounting tasks.
3. How the Type of LLC Affects the Tax Benefits
Your LLC’s tax classification determines how payroll taxes apply when employing your child.
A. Single-Member LLC (Disregarded Entity / Sole Proprietorship)
If your LLC is owned by one parent and not taxed as a corporation:
- Wages paid to your child under age 18 are not subject to Social Security or Medicare (FICA) taxes.
- Wages are not subject to federal unemployment (FUTA) tax until the child reaches 21.
- The wages are deductible to your business.
This structure provides the maximum tax advantage.
B. Multi-Member LLC, S-Corporation, or C-Corporation
Once your business is taxed as an S-Corp or C-Corp (or if your LLC has multiple members), the special FICA/FUTA exemptions disappear.
- You must withhold and pay payroll taxes on your child’s wages.
- The wages are still deductible, but the after-tax benefit is smaller.
Even so, the strategy can remain worthwhile — especially when combined with Roth IRA funding or college savings.
4. How Much You Can Pay Your Child
There is no specific IRS limit on how much you can pay, as long as it’s reasonable for the work performed. However, for most small businesses:
- Paying up to the standard deduction limit ($14,600 in 2024; $15,000 projected for 2025) ensures your child owes no federal income tax.
- You deduct the entire amount as a business expense, potentially saving 20–30% in taxes, depending on your marginal rate.
Example:
Let’s say your LLC has $200,000 in taxable income and you’re in the 24% federal bracket.
You pay your 15-year-old $12,000 for legitimate work.
| Detail | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deduction to business | $12,000 | Reduces taxable income |
| Tax saved at 24% | $2,880 | Parent’s benefit |
| Child’s income tax | $0 | Below standard deduction |
| Payroll tax | $0 | If under 18, sole-prop LLC |
| Total family savings | ≈ $3,000 | Plus experience and savings potential |
5. Administrative Steps to Implement the Strategy
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Even if you’re a single-member LLC, you’ll need an EIN for payroll reporting. - Set Up Payroll Properly
Use a payroll service like QuickBooks, Gusto, or ADP to handle W-2 issuance and tax forms. Mark your child as an employee. - Create a Job Description
Detail their responsibilities, hourly rate, and expected hours per week. - Keep Timesheets
These can be handwritten or digital but should record dates, hours worked, and tasks performed. - Pay by Check or Direct Deposit
Payments should come from your business checking account to create a clear paper trail. - Issue a W-2
File Forms W-2 and W-3 by January 31. Report the wages just like you would for any other employee. - File Payroll Forms (if applicable)
If FICA applies (multi-member LLCs, S-corps), file Forms 941 and 940 quarterly and annually.
6. Strategic Add-Ons: Multiply the Benefit
A. Contribute to a Roth IRA
Since your child now has earned income, they can contribute up to $7,000 per year (2024 limit) into a Roth IRA.
The earlier they start, the more powerful compound growth becomes.
Example:
$6,000 invested annually from age 15 to 20, earning 7% annually, grows to over $600,000 by age 65 — tax-free.
B. Fund College or Savings Accounts
Instead of gifting money after tax, you’re transferring it pre-tax as wages. This helps fund education, savings, or other family goals efficiently.
C. Teach Real-World Financial Responsibility
Having your child manage a paycheck, budget, and save for goals teaches long-term financial discipline — a benefit no deduction can replace.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying for household chores or personal errands. These are not business-related services.
- Paying excessive wages. Compensation must match what a reasonable employer would pay for similar work.
- Failing to issue a W-2 or file payroll reports. Proper reporting solidifies the legitimacy of the arrangement.
- Ignoring state child labor laws. Some states restrict working hours for minors or require additional forms.
- Not keeping records. In an audit, lack of documentation is the most common reason this deduction gets denied.
8. Audit-Proof Checklist for Family Employment
Before filing your return, confirm:
- The work performed is documented and legitimate.
- Timesheets and pay stubs are saved.
- Payments were made from the business account.
- A W-2 was issued.
- Payroll filings were completed.
- Pay is consistent with market rates.
- You’ve retained all supporting documentation for at least four years.
9. The Broader Impact: Building a Financial Legacy
Paying your child through your LLC is more than a short-term tax maneuver — it’s a family wealth strategy.
It turns your business into a classroom, where your child learns the value of work, money, and smart financial decisions. Over time, this fosters financial independence, discipline, and an understanding of how wealth is built and preserved.
10. Summary: Why This Strategy Deserves Attention
| Benefit | Parent | Child | Family Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Deduction | Lowers taxable income | N/A | Keeps earnings in the family |
| Income Shifting | Reduces high-bracket tax | Low or zero bracket | Combined tax savings |
| Payroll Tax Avoidance | Applies to single-member LLC | Exempt under 18 | Maximizes net savings |
| Financial Education | Teaches tax and money management | Builds experience | Creates generational literacy |
| Roth IRA Eligibility | None directly | Major long-term benefit | Compounding, tax-free growth |
When executed correctly, this strategy can save thousands of dollars annually — while creating lifelong lessons for your child about earning, saving, and investing.
Need Expert Guidance?
At Reckenen Inc., we help small business owners design and document family payroll strategies that withstand IRS scrutiny while optimizing tax savings.
We handle payroll setup, recordkeeping templates, and ongoing compliance — so you can focus on running your business and building your family’s financial foundation.
Schedule a consultation: www.reckenen.com/contact
Email: info@reckenen.com
Based in Tysons, VA | Serving clients nationwide
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Before implementing any strategy, consult with a qualified CPA or tax professional to ensure compliance with current laws. Reckenen Inc. and its author make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. © Reckenen Inc. All rights reserved.