My Mother-In-Law is moving in with us. Can I pay her as an “employee”?

At a time when dependency on government assistance is often criticized, the practice of formally employing family members represents a return to foundational principles of self-reliance and personal responsibility. This piece explores the potential economic and moral benefits of such arrangements, questioning whether current tax codes and employment laws adequately support families who choose this path as a means to build intergenerational wealth and instill work ethic values.

In an era where social safety nets are under threat and economic inequality continues to rise, the concept of compensating family members for their contributions to household labor and care work not only challenges traditional notions of familial roles but also offers a progressive approach to redistributing wealth and supporting our aging population. This analysis dives into the legal and ethical frameworks that could encourage fair compensation practices within families, advocating for policies that recognize and value all forms of labor.