insight

The Best Nanny Payroll Software in 2025, According to ADP

Paying nannies and others who perform work in and around your home isn’t always a simple transaction. But having a household payroll service can help you comply with the household employee tax and other employer obligations.

You might be surprised to learn that paying your nanny "under the table" can result in steep penalties, back taxes and even legal trouble. Families that don't comply with payroll guidelines could face IRS fines and penalties, back taxes and reputational damage. That's why it's so important to choose the best nanny payroll software — one that can automatically calculate and withhold taxes, generate required forms, track hours worked, and maintain accurate payroll records, among other important features.

We compared ADP to other nanny payroll services1 and found it comes out ahead, thanks to a variety of key features, from its handling of federal, state and local tax filings to 24/7 access to specialists in household payroll.

Best Nanny Payroll Services of 2025

ADP Review – Best overall payroll software for paying nannies

ADP makes it easier for household employers to pay their nannies accurately and on time and helps employers comply with the law. With ADP, busy households benefit from helpful features like automatic payroll processing, which includes accurate calculation and withholding of appropriate taxes built in. Through ADP's employee self-service via mobile, nannies and household employees can easily access pay stubs and statement information. Employers can readily offer flexible pay options via check, direct deposit or debit card, and get around-the-clock access to payroll specialists for support.1,2

Key features

  • Automatic payroll processing
  • Tax calculation and payment (income, FICA, FUTA)
  • EIN and state tax ID guidance
  • Payroll forms and filing (W-2, W-3, Schedule H)3
  • Gross-to-net (pay rate) calculator
  • Time tracking integration (overtime support)
  • Flexible pay options (check, direct deposit, paycard)
  • 24/7 payroll specialist support
  • Help comply with IRS and state regulations
  • Employee self-service via mobile

The main takeaway? ADP stands out among the best nanny payroll services thanks to features like payroll automation, compliance expertise, and personalized support. ADP’s solution can handle everything from calculating and withholding the correct taxes to filing W-2, W-3 and Schedule H forms on time. With flexible pay options, mobile self-service for employees, and 24/7 access to payroll specialists, ADP offers a simple yet reliable way to manage nanny payroll while helping employers stay compliant with federal, state, and local requirements.3

HomePay Review 4,5,6,7,8

Care.com's HomePay offers full-service payroll and tax filing for household employees. Its key features include a nanny tax calculator and sample employment contracts; guidance on workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and labor law compliance; and access to dedicated nanny tax specialists. They guarantee accurate, on-time filing for tax returns, saying, "If HomePay doesn't meet your expectations for an all-in-one nanny tax and payroll service during your first six months of use, we'll refund your payments for our services."9

Key features 10,11,12

  • Full-service payroll processing
  • Federal and state tax registration5
  • Tax withholding and remittance12
  • Payroll forms and filing (W-2, W-3, Schedule H)
  • Gross-to-net (pay rate) calculator
  • Time-tracking tool (mobile app)
  • Flexible pay options (direct deposit, check)
  • Unlimited customer support (phone, email, chat)
  • Compliance support12
  • Employee access to pay stubs online
  • New-hire reporting5

Why ADP is better than HomePay for nanny payroll software

Capabilities ADP logo HomePay*
Automatic payroll processing
Federal, state and local tax calculation
Filing W-2, W-3, Schedule H
Employer tax account setup (EIN, state IDs)
New-hire reporting
Flexible pay options (check, direct deposit, debit card) (direct deposit, check)
Employee self-service portal/mobile access
24/7 customer support Limited hours
Scalability beyond household payroll Not Offered

*Table created November 2025 and is subject to change.
Based on ADP internal research and Information compiled from care.com/homepay

The main takeaway? HomePay is a strong choice given their specialization in household payroll and nanny tax compliance. They deliver helpful tools like calculators, sample contracts, and state-specific guidance, and also provide personalized service from dedicated nanny tax specialists. ADP takes those strengths a step further, however, with integrated time tracking, 24/7 customer support, and scalability that goes beyond household payroll.

Fast, simple payroll for nannies

Automate nanny payroll and taxes with ADP.

Compare packages

Poppins Payroll Review

Poppins Payroll is attractive as an affordable, automated solution custom-built for household employers. Their platform handles everything from EIN setup to digital pay stubs. Additional features include automated payroll tax calculations and filing for federal, state and local returns, flexible pay (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly,) and pay methods, and phone and email customer support.

Key features13

  • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) setup
  • State and local agency registrations (including new‑hire reporting)
  • Payroll withholdings and tax calculation (federal, state, local)
  • Flexible pay frequency (weekly, bi‑weekly, semi‑monthly, monthly)
  • Pay via direct deposit or manual check/electronic transfer
  • Quarterly tax collection and filing on employer’s behalf
  • Year-end preparations: Schedule H, W‑2, W‑3
  • Guaranteed accuracy and on‑time filings (penalties covered)
  • Month-to-month pricing: $49 flat rate, + $10 per additional employee
  • No contracts, cancel anytime
  • Fast, human customer support (Colorado-based team)
  • Digital dashboard with archives for paystubs, tax filings and dashboards

Why ADP is better than Poppins Payroll for nanny payroll software

Capabilities ADP logo Poppins Payroll*
Automatic payroll processing
Federal, state and local tax calculation
Filing W-2, W-3, Schedule H
Employer tax account setup (EIN, state IDs)
New-hire reporting
Flexible pay options (check, direct deposit, debit card) (direct deposit, check)
Employee self-service/mobile access
24/7 customer support Limited hours
Scalability beyond household payroll Not Offered

*Table created November 2025 and is subject to change.
Based on ADP internal research and Information compiled from poppins.com

The main takeaway? Poppins Payroll is an attractive option for household employers thanks to its simple, affordable nanny payroll service, streamlined setup process, and promise of guaranteed accuracy in tax filings. But families looking for even greater flexibility, scalability and support will find ADP is the best household employee payroll service, offering features like broader pay options (including debit cards), compliance tools, 24/7 customer support availability.

SurePayroll Review

SurePayroll (which now includes NannyChex) provides household employers with simplified nanny payroll and tax management. They have a secure platform as well as mobile apps to serve both employers and employees. Along with federal, state and local tax calculation, including Schedule H support, SurePayroll offers unlimited payroll runs, two-day direct deposit and a no-penalty tax filing guarantee.14 Background and drug checks are integral to the offering, as is U.S.-based customer support, available Monday–Friday.

Key features14

  • Digital platform with mobile apps for employers and self-service access for employees
  • Customer support tailored for household needs
  • Unlimited payroll runs with two-day direct deposit
  • Employer mobile app to run payroll anytime, anywhere
  • Employee mobile app providing on-demand access to W-2s, paystubs, and more
  • No-penalty tax filing guarantee
  • Affordable health insurance plans
  • Easy-to-implement 401(k) plans
  • On-demand pre-employment screening

Why ADP is better than SurePayroll for nanny payroll software

Capabilities ADP logo SurePayroll*
Automatic payroll processing
Federal, state and local tax calculation
Filing W-2, W-3, Schedule H
Employer tax account setup (EIN, state IDs)
New-hire reporting
Flexible pay options (check, direct deposit, debit card) (direct deposit)15
Employee self-service/mobile access
24/7 customer support Limited hours
Scalability beyond household payroll Not Offered

*Table created November 2025 and is subject to change.
Based on ADP internal research and Information compiled from surepayroll.com

The main takeaway? SurePayroll makes a strong case as a streamlined, mobile-friendly payroll solution geared to household employers. With strengths like unlimited payroll runs, speedy direct deposit, a no-penalty tax filing guarantee, and household-focused, U.S.-based support, SurePayroll helps you pay household employees in compliance with the law. ADP, however, offers more pay options (like debit cards) along with 24/7 support and the ability to scale with small business payroll.

ADP Editorial Team

ADP Editorial Team The ADP editorial team is comprised of human resource professionals with extensive experience solving complex HR challenges for businesses of all sizes.

Want more exclusive business insights like this delivered to your inbox?Subscribe now

  1. Information based on ADP internal research and is accurate as of November 2025 and is subject to change.
  2. https://www.adp.com/what-we-offer/payroll/payroll-for-1-49-employees.aspx
  3. https://www.adp.com/resources/articles-and-insights/articles/n/nanny-payroll-services.aspx
  4. https://www.care.com/homepay
  5. https://www.care.com/hp/homepay-service-faq/
  6. https://www.care.com/hp/1099-vs-employee-why-the-difference-matters-when-you-hire-a-caregiver/
  7. https://www.care.com/homepay/product-and-pricing
  8. https://www.care.com/homepay/nanny-tax-calculator
  9. https://partners.myhomepay.com/homepay/
  10. https://www.care.com/hp/why-caregivers-need-a-w-2-to-file-taxes-not-a-1099/
  11. https://www.care.com/hp/file-a-schedule-h-with-your-tax-return-if-you-hire-a-household-employee/
  12. https://www.care.com/hp/nanny-tax-guide/
  13. https://www.poppinspayroll.com/
  14. https://www.surepayroll.com/resources/nannychex-is-sure
  15. https://www.surepayroll.com/solutions/household

Make sure your nanny gets paid on time, every time

Simplify the way you pay your nanny with ADP’s payroll solutions.

Get Pricing Compare Packages

Get the right online payroll services for your business

See packages for your business size

Hi there, what brings you here today?