How to Find a Travel Nurse CPA: Your Guide to Specialized Tax Help

Travel nurse taxes are complicated. Between tax homes, multi-state filing, tax-free stipends, and IRS compliance, the average tax preparer often doesn’t know how to handle them. That’s why finding a CPA who specializes in travel nursing is one of the best investments you can make.

Why You Need a Specialized CPA

Regular CPAs May Not Understand

Travel nurse taxation is a niche. Most tax preparers:

• Don’t understand tax home requirements
• Aren’t sure how to handle stipends
• Haven’t dealt with multi-state filing for travelers
• May give incorrect advice that costs you money

What Can Go Wrong

Without proper guidance:

• Paying too much in taxes (missing legitimate strategies)
• Paying too little (and facing IRS penalties later)
• Incorrectly handling stipends (audit risk)
• Missing multi-state requirements (state tax problems)
• Not maintaining proper documentation (can’t prove your case if audited)

The Value of Specialization

A travel nurse CPA:

• Knows the tax home rules inside and out
• Handles multi-state filing efficiently
• Understands stipend structures and limits
• Keeps up with travel nurse tax developments
• Can represent you if audited

---

What to Look For in a Travel Nurse CPA

1. Specialization in Travel Nursing

The most important factor. Ask specifically about their travel nurse experience.

Good signs:

• “I work with 200+ travel nurses annually”
• “Travel healthcare is my specialty”
• “I’ve been doing travel nurse taxes for 10 years”

Red flags:

• “I’ve done a few travel nurse returns”
• “I can figure it out”
• “It’s basically the same as regular nursing taxes”

2. Multi-State Filing Experience

Travel nurses often work in multiple states per year. Your CPA should be comfortable with:

• Filing in multiple states
• Understanding reciprocity agreements
• Calculating credits for taxes paid to other states
• Handling state-specific rules

3. Understanding of Tax Homes

Your CPA should be able to explain:

• What qualifies as a valid tax home
• How to maintain your tax home status
• What documentation you need
• What happens if you lose your tax home

4. Year-Round Availability

Tax questions don’t just happen in April. Look for someone who:

• Answers questions throughout the year
• Can advise on contract decisions
• Helps with quarterly estimated taxes
• Is available for planning, not just filing

5. Reasonable Fees

Typical fee range: $250-500 for a standard travel nurse return

Higher fees ($500+) may be justified for:

• Complex situations (multiple states, 1099 work)
• Tax planning services
• Audit representation

Be wary of:

• Fees based on refund size (creates wrong incentives)
• Extremely low fees (may indicate lack of expertise)
• No clear fee structure

6. Professional Credentials

Look for:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) — Licensed and regulated
• EA (Enrolled Agent) — IRS-certified, can represent you in audits
• Tax attorney — For complex legal situations

Avoid:

• “Tax preparers” with no credentials
• Services that seem too automated

---

Questions to Ask Potential CPAs

About Their Experience

1. How many travel nurse clients do you have?

   • Look for: 50+ annually indicates real specialization

2. How long have you been working with travel nurses?

   • Look for: 3+ years of experience

3. What percentage of your practice is healthcare/travel nursing?

   • Look for: Significant portion, not a side offering

About Tax Homes

4. Can you explain what qualifies as a valid tax home?

   • They should explain clearly without looking it up

5. Have you dealt with tax home audits?

   • Experience with audits means they know what documentation matters

6. What documentation do you recommend I keep?

   • Should have a clear, comprehensive list

About Services

7. Do you handle multi-state returns?

   • This is essential for most travel nurses

8. Are you available for questions during the year?

   • Look for: Yes, year-round support

9. Do you help with quarterly estimated taxes?

   • Important since stipends have no withholding

10. Can you represent me in an audit?

    • CPAs and EAs can; some preparers cannot

About Fees

11. What are your fees for a travel nurse return?

    • Look for: Clear, upfront pricing

12. What’s included in that fee?

    • Ensure multi-state, questions, and review are included

13. Are there additional charges I should know about?

    • Understand the full cost

---

Where to Find Travel Nurse CPAs

Specialized Travel Nurse Tax Services

These firms focus specifically on travel healthcare professionals:

Travel Nurse Tax

• Specializes exclusively in travel nurses
• Very popular in the travel nurse community
• Offers tax preparation and planning
• Year-round support

Gaines CPA

• Healthcare-focused firm
• Strong travel nurse expertise
• Multi-state filing experience
• Planning and representation services

Joseph Smith CPA (TravelTax)

• Long-standing travel nurse tax specialist
• Nationwide service
• Known in travel nurse Facebook groups
• Offers tax preparation and consultation

General CPA Firms with Travel Nurse Experience

Some larger firms have partners or divisions specializing in travel healthcare. Ask specifically about their travel nurse experience.

Finding Through Referrals

Best sources for recommendations:

1. Other travel nurses — Ask in Facebook groups, forums, or colleagues
2. Your agency — Some agencies partner with tax services
3. Travel nurse communities — Groups like “Travel Nurses & Allies” often have CPA recommendations

Questions for Referral Sources

When someone recommends a CPA, ask:

• How long have you used them?
• Have they helped with any complex situations?
• Are they responsive?
• What do they charge?
• Any issues or complaints?

---

Red Flags to Avoid

Beware of:

“Just Take the Stipends”

Any CPA who says you can take tax-free stipends without verifying your tax home situation is giving dangerous advice.

No Questions About Your Situation

A good CPA asks detailed questions about your living situation, not just your income numbers.

Guaranteed Outcomes

No one can guarantee a specific refund or outcome. Taxes depend on your situation.

Pressure to Claim Questionable Deductions

If they suggest deductions that seem too good to be true, they probably are.

No Clear Fee Structure

You should know what you’ll pay before engaging their services.

Can’t Explain the Rules

If they can’t clearly explain tax home rules or stipend requirements, they don’t understand them.

---

What to Prepare for Your CPA

Documents to Gather

Income Documents

• All W-2s (from each agency/employer)
• 1099s (if any contract work)
• Final pay stubs if W-2 not yet received

Tax Home Documentation

• Lease or mortgage statement
• Utility bills for the year
• Records of time spent at tax home
• Documentation of local work (if any)

Assignment Information

• List of all assignments (dates, locations)
• Contracts for each assignment
• Housing costs at each assignment

Deductions (if applicable)

• Licensing and certification costs
• Professional development expenses
• Work-related supply purchases
• Mileage log (if claiming mileage)

Previous Returns

• Last 2-3 years of tax returns
• Especially important if switching CPAs

Information to Know

• States you worked in this year
• Time spent in each state
• Time spent at your tax home
• Any major life changes (marriage, home purchase, etc.)
• Estimated tax payments made

---

Working with Your CPA

Before Tax Season

1. Share your situation — New to travel nursing? Changing your tax home? Let them know.

2. Ask about planning — Any strategies you should implement before year-end?

3. Set up estimated payments — Get guidance on quarterly payments if needed.

4. Organize documents — Create a folder or system for tax documents.

During Tax Season

1. Provide complete information — Don’t leave out assignments or income sources.

2. Answer questions promptly — Delays cause stress for everyone.

3. Review before signing — Understand your return before submitting.

4. Ask questions — If something doesn’t make sense, ask.

After Filing

1. Keep copies — Save your return and all supporting documents.

2. Note deadlines — When are estimated taxes due? Extensions?

3. Plan ahead — What should you do differently next year?

4. Stay in touch — Let them know about major changes during the year.

---

DIY vs. Professional: When to Consider Each

You Might DIY If:

• You’re very tax-savvy
• You only work in one state
• Your situation is straightforward
• You’re comfortable with tax software
• You have time to research travel nurse taxes

You Should Use a Professional If:

• You’re new to travel nursing
• You work in multiple states
• You’re unsure about your tax home status
• Your situation is complex
• You value peace of mind
• You’ve had tax issues in the past

The Cost-Benefit Analysis

Professional fee: ~$350 Potential savings/protection: $1,000s

A good CPA often saves more than they cost through:

• Finding deductions you’d miss
• Avoiding costly mistakes
• Proper multi-state optimization
• Audit protection

---

Annual Tax Timeline for Travel Nurses

January

• Gather W-2s and 1099s
• Compile assignment records
• Organize deduction documentation

February-March

• Meet with CPA
• Provide all documents
• Review and file return (or extension)

April 15

• Tax filing deadline (or extension)
• Q1 estimated tax payment due

June 15

• Q2 estimated tax payment due

September 15

• Q3 estimated tax payment due
• Extended return deadline (if filed extension)

October-December

• Year-end tax planning
• Maximize retirement contributions
• Document tax home maintenance

January 15 (following year)

• Q4 estimated tax payment due

---

The Bottom Line

Finding the right CPA is one of the best investments in your travel nursing career. A specialist who understands travel nurse taxation will:

• Help you stay compliant with IRS rules
• Maximize your legitimate tax savings
• Handle multi-state complexity correctly
• Protect you if you’re audited
• Give you peace of mind

The cost of a good travel nurse CPA ($300-500) is trivial compared to the thousands you could lose from mistakes or missed opportunities.

Take the time to find the right professional, provide them with complete information, and build a relationship that lasts throughout your travel nursing career.

---

Related Resources

• Ultimate Travel Nurse Tax Guide 2026
• What Is a Tax Home for Travel Nurses?
• Tax-Free Stipends Explained
• Travel Nurse Tax Deductions
• Travel Nurse Pay Calculator — Estimate your after-tax take-home