What age can I hire my child?
Quick Answer
Federal law has a parental-employment exception for certain work in a business entirely owned by the parents, but it does not permit manufacturing, mining, or occupations declared hazardous for minors. The child must be able to perform genuine, age-appropriate work for reasonable compensation, and state law may be more restrictive. Check the rules for the child, employer, location, and specific work.
The Details
The Federal Parental Exception Is Limited
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits a parent to employ their child in certain occupations in a business entirely owned by the parents. It does not override the bans on manufacturing, mining, or work declared hazardous for minors, and it does not override stricter state law.
What Supports Genuine Employment
Relevant facts can include:
- Can the child perform the work? A 5-year-old can pick up toys; they can't do data entry.
- Is the work real? The tasks must benefit you or your business, not be made-up activities.
- Is the pay reasonable? Compensation must match market rates for similar work.
- Do you have documentation? Records proving when work was performed.
Age-Appropriate Work Examples
| Age Range | Appropriate Tasks |
|---|---|
| 4-5 | Simple supervised tasks (picking up toys, sorting, watering plants, feeding pets); confirm state rules |
| 6-7 | Dusting, sweeping, emptying trash, sorting mail, labeling items |
| 8-9 | Vacuuming, loading dishwasher, filing paperwork, packaging orders |
| 10-11 | Simple cooking, data entry, taking product photos, walking dogs |
| 12+ | Broader nonhazardous tasks with appropriate supervision, training, and legal review |
State Laws May Differ
Some states have additional restrictions on child labor, especially for business employment. Always check your state's specific requirements.
What This Means for You
Do not choose an age based on tax benefits alone. Before treating a child as an employee, confirm that:
- The work is something they can actually do
- The work benefits you or your business
- The pay is reasonable for the task
- The employer and work are permitted under federal and state law
- You keep the records and complete the payroll or tax filings required for the arrangement
Starting early matters for Roth IRA contributions. The earlier you begin, the more time compound growth has to work.
Learn more: How to Hire Your Kids: The Complete Guide
Sources
- DOL Fact Sheet #43: Child Labor Provisions
- IRS Family Employees: Federal tax treatment
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