The Travel Nurse Tax Portal:
Protect Your Stipends
Don't let a "Tax Home" audit ruin your travel career. We specialize in multi-state filing, tax home compliance, and maximizing deductions for RNs, LPNs, and Allied Health pros.
Most travel nurse tax problems aren’t caused by missing information — they’re caused by misinterpreting IRS rules that only show up during an audit.
We’re a U.S.-based tax preparation firm that handles the entire process for you — from Tax Home analysis to preparing and filing all required federal and state returns — for a flat, transparent fee.
The "Tax Home" Trap
The IRS requires you to have a "Tax Home" to receive tax-free housing and meal stipends. If you don't have one, you are an "Itinerant," and all your stipends are taxable income.
The Golden Rule: You must duplicate expenses. You must pay rent/mortgage at your permanent home while paying for housing at your travel assignment.
🛑 Tax Home Compliance Check
Do you qualify for tax-free stipends?
Stipends: The "Blended Rate" Risk
Agencies love to quote "Weekly Gross" (e.g., $3,500/week). But if your hourly wage is artificially low (e.g., $18/hr) to maximize tax-free stipends, the IRS calls this "Wage Recharacterization."
| Pay Component | Tax Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | Taxable | Reported on W-2. Taxed by Federal + Work State. Too low = Audit Risk. |
| Housing Stipend | Tax-Free* | *Only if you have a valid Tax Home. Capped at GSA limits. |
| Meals & Incidentals | Tax-Free* | Also capped at GSA rates. |
| Travel Reimbursement | Tax-Free | For flights/mileage getting to the assignment. |
*GSA limits vary by city and month.
⚖️ Blended Rate Analyzer
Are you at risk of an IRS audit due to low taxable wages?
The Nightmare of Multi-State Filing
If you worked in California, New York, and Massachusetts, but live in Texas, you likely need to file 4 separate tax returns.
1. Resident State
You file here first. You report ALL income earned worldwide. (e.g., Your permanent home in OH/PA/NC).
2. Non-Resident States
You file here for income earned physically in that state. (e.g., Your 13-week contract in CA).
3. The Credit
Your Resident state gives you a credit for taxes paid to the Non-Resident states to avoid double taxation. (We calculate this).
Top States for Travel Nurses
Knowing state tax laws is crucial before accepting a contract. Here is a cheat sheet.
| State | Income Tax Rate | The "Catch" for Nurses |
|---|---|---|
| California 🐻 | High (1% - 13.3%) | Aggressive audits. If you work here >9 months, they may claim you are a resident. |
| New York 🗽 | High (4% - 10.9%) | "Convenience of the Employer" rule. Very strict allocation of income. |
| Massachusetts 🦞 | Flat 5% | Strict "183 Day Rule" for residency. Does not follow many federal treaties. |
| Texas 🤠 | 0% (None) | Excellent Tax Home state. No state filing required. |
| Florida 🌴 | 0% (None) | Excellent Tax Home state. |
| Washington 🌲 | 0% (None) | No income tax (except capital gains for high earners). Good for PNW contracts. |
| Hawaii 🌺 | Medium (1.4% - 11%) | Cost of living is high, but stipends are higher. GET Tax applies to everything. |
⚠️ Top 3 Audit Triggers
The IRS targets travel nurses specifically for these errors:
- Abandonment of Tax Home: You rented out your main home on Airbnb while traveling. (This kills your "Tax Home" status).
- The 12-Month Rule: You worked in one geographic area for more than 12 months in a rolling 24-month period. (Your stipends become taxable retroactive to Day 1).
- "Commuting" vs. Travel: Driving back home every weekend? You might not qualify for full housing stipends because you aren't "away from home."
Specialized Nursing Tax Packages
We know the difference between GSA rates and taxable wages. CPA-reviewed returns.
Staff Nurse
Standard W-2 Filing
- ✅ Federal Return
- ✅ 1 State Return
- ✅ License & CE Deductions
Travel Nurse
Multi-State & Stipends
- ✅ Up to 3 State Returns
- ✅ Tax Home Compliance Review
- ✅ Stipend Taxability Check
- ✅ Credit for Taxes Paid
1099 / Locum
Independent Contractors
- ✅ Schedule C (Business)
- ✅ Rental Properties (Schedule E)
- ✅ Estimated Tax Vouchers
Additional states beyond 3: $35/state. Audit protection available.
Real Life Scenarios
Scenario A: The "Safe" Traveler
Profile: Sarah, ICU Nurse.
Strategy: Maintains an apartment in Ohio (Tax Home). Takes contracts in AZ, FL, and CA. Returns to Ohio for 30 days/year.
Result: All stipends are tax-free. She files Non-Resident returns in AZ and CA. Files Resident return in OH (gets credit for AZ/CA tax).
Scenario B: The "Risk" Traveler
Profile: Mike, ER Nurse.
Strategy: Gave up his apartment. Uses parents' address but pays no rent. Keeps all stipend money.
Result: AUDIT RISK. Since he has no duplicate expenses, he is "Itinerant." All stipends are taxable wages. He owes back taxes + penalties.
Nurse Tax FAQ
Can I deduct my scrubs and stethoscope?
What if I don't have a tax home?
Do I file in the state where my agency is based?
Does the Compact License affect taxes?
Start Your Travel Return
Use our secure intake form to upload your W-2s and travel contracts. We'll handle the multi-state logic.
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