Q. How does Town & Country screen candidates?
A. The candidates you meet through us will have completed a detailed ten-page application in our offices as well as been through a thorough interview with our Placement Counselors. We speak to each of their references at length. In addition to verifying work experience, we request legal documentation and conduct several background checks including driving record check, Social Security scan and a criminal background check.
Q. What do temporary candidates charge?
A. Based upon their background, direct experience and the overall job requirements, nannies typically charge $18 - $20 an hour, baby nurses $25 - $35 an hour and housekeepers $20 - $25 an hour. Personal assistants typically charge $30 - $40 an hour and chefs charge $35 - $50 an hour.
Q. Do I pay the candidate directly?
A. Yes, you will pay the candidate their wages directly upon completion of the assignment. The candidate’s wages are separate from the agency fees. There is a four hour minimum each time a candidate comes to your home.
Q. What agency fees can I expect?
A. There is a one-time $150 registration fee that will allow you lifetime access to our qualified candidate pool. This registration fee is processed upon receipt of your Referral Agreement. (Payment of the registration fee does not guarantee that the agency will be able to fill every assignment). In addition to the registration fee, there is a temporary referral fee equal to 35% of the total gross wages earned, with a minimum of $25 a day. The referral fee is due when a candidate is confirmed for the assignment. Temporary fees are paid based on the anticipated total gross compensation for the entire period of employment. Supplemental fees will be due if the assignment is extended.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. If the assignment is changed or cancelled after a candidate is confirmed, the full temporary referral fee is due.
Q. Is it possible to hire the same candidate for each assignment?
A. While we cannot guarantee that the same person will be available for each assignment, we will be happy to check the availability of a specific person for you.
Q. What if I want to hire a temporary candidate on a permanent basis?
A. If you choose to hire a temporary candidate on a permanent basis, your Placement Counselor will be happy to review the permanent fee structure with you. Temporary fees do not apply toward a permanent referral fee.
Q. Can a temporary candidate drive my children?
A. While sometimes this cannot be avoided, we do not encourage you to have temporary candidates drive your children since they may not be covered under your insurance policy or have adequate insurance for their vehicle, they might be unfamiliar with the area and may not have the appropriate car seats.
Q. Do I need to be concerned about payroll taxes?
A. Please be aware that when you hire a candidate through Town & Country, the candidate is considered your household employee, not an independent contractor or an employee of the agency. Whether you hire a candidate temporarily or on a permanent basis, she is your household employee, and you may be required to withhold and report payroll taxes to the state and the IRS. While Town & Country is not directly involved in any tax filings or reporting, we are knowledgeable about the subject and happy to answer any questions you may have. California law states that if you pay any number of employees (temporary or permanent) more than $750 in a calendar quarter, you are required to file for a tax ID number and pay certain employer taxes required by California state. In addition, when you pay any individual candidate more that $1,600 in a year, you are required to file for a federal tax ID and withhold and pay both state and federal taxes. Keep in mind that you cannot take advantage of the Child Care Tax Credit or Flexible Spending Account tax savings unless you have paid the candidate legally and paid all required employer taxes, at the time of the assignment. And please know that agency fees are not tax deductible and they are not applicable under the Flexible Spending Account. Further information about household payroll taxes is available from our partner Breedlove & Associates at http://www.breedlove-online.com.
Q. What else do I need to know about temporary placements?
A. By signing an agreement with Town & Country Resources, you agree to not share the name or contact information of any candidates referred by the agency with your friends or associates. If you contact a candidate referred by Town & Country for future assignments, you are required to report the hours and pay the appropriate placement fee.
Q. What is the next step?
A. Our Town & Country Temporary Department stands ready with an extensive pool of professional candidates to assist you with your household needs. Once we have the details of the assignment and a signed referral agreement, we will begin your search.
Thank you for choosing Town & Country Resources to help with your temporary needs. If you have any questions, please contact our Temporary Department at 650.326.8570 or 415.567.0956. Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5pm (PST).
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