Why You Might Want to Consider Putting Your Children on Payroll Accountant Mark Kohler explains how putting your kids to work for your business can result in a sizable, and legal, tax write-off.
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Yes, you can legally add your children to your company's payroll, according to attorney and accountant Mark Kohler. Different rules apply depending on the age of your child:
Children age 18 and older: If they are away at college, consider declaring them as part-time employees with 10-99 status for a tax write-off. If they work more hours and have dedicated office space, you may have to make them full-time employees.
Children younger than age 18: Make sure they are legitimately working for your business, Kohler says, and to pay them from a sole proprietorship -- not a corporation.
