Missouri Employer Checklist
We’ve got you covered on the payroll end. Please read carefully the following resources and information to help keep you in compliance with other MO laws.
Employer Resource: MO Employer Guide and MO Employee Handbook Policy Model
MO household employers who have less than 5 employees are not required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for on-the-job injuries. However, you may elect to have coverage because you remain exposed to civil lawsuits brought by employees who are injured during work. This insurance is typically provided under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. You might already have some coverage, but check with your insurance provider to be sure you are sufficiently covered. You may need to add a rider to your policy depending on the number of hours your employees work each week.
Federal law requires that all employers request this form to be completed by the prospective employee. Don’t submit it to anyone, just keep it with your employer records in case of an audit.
I-9 form: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9
W-4 form: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
To be sure your employee doesn’t get an unexpected tax bill, or have too much withheld, have them complete a W-4 form when they are hired, or anytime they experience a change in their withholding requirements (marriage, birth of child, additional income, etc.). You can update your employee’s profile in the Nest Payroll app at anytime during the year.
MO law requires all employers provide the following notices to their employees:
Having an agreement reduces awkwardness and misunderstandings, especially as things come up you just didn’t anticipate. If you don’t have an agreement 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 we love that supports domestic employers + employees, is a great resource for tackling all sorts of challenges that come with household employment, creating a more dignified and respectful workplace for all. Please consider taking their Fair Care Pledge, plus take advantage of their excellent and free sample contracts and guide books.
PAID SICK TIME: NOT REQUIRED BY LAW
You can elect to offer paid sick time as a benefit. Allowance for sick time can be entered when you add your employee. When sick time is used, simply enter the hours in the Nest Payroll app when creating a paycheck.
VACATION TIME or PAID TIME OFF: NOT REQUIRED
Paid vacation time is not required, but it could be an important benefit to offer. Once it is in a contract it becomes enforceable by MO. Vacation/PTO hours can be entered in the Nest Payroll app when creating a paycheck.
Details: MO Labor Law - Vacation/PTO
MINIMUM WAGE: REQUIRED BY LAW
All household employees are classified as hourly (non-exempt) and are subject to minimum wage protections. To check if your city has a higher minimum wage requirement than the state, click on the following:
MO Dept. of Labor- Minimum Wage
The Economic Policy Institute - Minimum Wage Tracker
Also, when you add an employee to the Nest Payroll app, the minimum wage for your city should pop up.
OVERTIME: REQUIRED BY LAW
Overtime of 1.5x the hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 regular hours in a week.
Details: MO Overtime
The information provided on this page is general in nature. This is not to be taken as tax, legal, benefits, financial, or HR advice. Since rules and regulations change over time and can vary by location, consult an attorney or financial advisor for your specific situation.