Essential Steps When Hiring
I-9 form: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9
Have your employee fill this out at time of hiring. You do not submit this to anyone, but you do need to keep the completed form somewhere safe. Suggestion: Take a photo of it with your phone!
W4 form: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
Have your employee fill this out at time of hiring. Use the filing status and allowances made by the employee to complete the employee profile in the app (you can change withholdings throughout year if employee requests this). You do not submit this form to anyone, just store it safely (another photo opportunity).
Ensure you have Worker’s Compensation insurance through your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. All you need to do is call the insurance company that provides your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Read here for more information.
Having a contract reduces awkwardness and misunderstandings, especially as things come up you just didn’t anticipate. If you don’t have a contract with your employee, you can download this one and modify for your situation. This one is for a nanny, but you can easily change out the role of the employee, such as for a housekeeper or caregiver, making it work for you.
Additionally, Hand In Hand, a non-profit that supports domestic employers + employees, is a great resource. Take advantage of their excellent and free sample contracts and guide books.