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The Help Sorter

Every job is a little different, but the good questions are much the same. Pick the chore below. We'll give you a list you can keep by the phone or bring to the first visit.

What do you need a hand with?

House cleaning

  1. What's included in each visit, and what costs extra?
  2. Is the price per hour or per visit?
  3. Will the same person come each time? If not, who decides who comes?
  4. Do you bring supplies, or do I provide them?
  5. What happens if something gets broken?

Worth knowing: a cleaner you hire and direct yourself may count as your household employee. Read IRS Tax Topic 756 on household employees.

Yard work and snow

  1. Can you write down the price and exactly what you'll do?
  2. Do you need any money before the work starts? How much?
  3. Do you use your own tools and equipment?
  4. What happens if it rains or snows on the planned day?
  5. Who cleans up and hauls away the clippings?

Worth knowing: the IRS lists gardeners among the workers who can be household employees. Read IRS Tax Topic 756.

Small repairs and odd jobs

  1. What will this cost, and can I have that in writing before you start?
  2. Does your state or city require a license for this kind of work? Can I see it?
  3. If you find another problem, will you ask me before doing more?
  4. When do you expect to be finished?
  5. How do you take payment, and when?

Worth knowing: a repair visit you set up yourself is handled differently under the federal three-day cancel rule. Extras you agree to buy during that visit may still be covered. Read the rule at eCFR: 16 CFR Part 429.

Errands and shopping

  1. How will you track what you spend on my behalf?
  2. Will I get receipts for every purchase?
  3. Do you need my card, or will I pay you back after?
  4. How should we reach each other while you're out?

Worth knowing: keep card numbers and account passwords to yourself. Pay back from receipts instead.

Moving or hauling things out

  1. Is the price set, or does it depend on time or weight?
  2. Are disposal or dump fees included?
  3. How many people will come, and who are they?
  4. Can I have the full price in writing?

Worth knowing: if a crew knocks on your door and offers a deal on the spot, the federal three-day cancel rule may apply. Read the rule at eCFR: 16 CFR Part 429.

Will this person come back on a regular schedule?

The tax rule doesn't depend on a schedule. It turns on how much you pay one person in cash during 2026 and on who directs the work. If the total could reach $3,000 and you direct the work, read IRS Publication 926, the Household Employer's Tax Guide.

A last word on the sorter

These questions are a starting point, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ from state to state.