Travel Nurse CPA: When to Hire One and How to Find the Right Fit

Introduction: Why Travel Nurses Need a Specialized CPA

Your cousin’s accountant who does small business taxes and your parents’ returns is probably not the right person to handle your travel nurse taxes. That is not a knock on them — it is a reflection of how genuinely specialized travel nursing tax situations are.

Travel nurses deal with tax homes, non-taxable stipends, multi-state filing obligations, and IRS rules that most general CPAs encounter rarely, if ever. A CPA who does not understand the distinction between a valid tax home and an itinerant worker could cost you thousands in unnecessary taxes — or worse, give you advice that triggers an audit.

The right CPA is not a luxury. For most travel nurses, it is one of the highest-return investments you can make.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Signs You Need a Travel Nurse CPA

Not every travel nurse needs a CPA. If you have a simple tax situation — one W-2, one state, a clear-cut tax home, and no unusual circumstances — you may be able to handle your taxes with quality tax software. But the following situations call for professional help:

You are unsure whether you have a valid tax home. This is the biggest question in travel nurse taxation, and getting it wrong has serious consequences. If you have any doubt about your tax home status, a CPA can evaluate your situation and tell you definitively where you stand. Take our tax home quiz for a preliminary check, but follow up with a professional.
You work in multiple states per year. Multi-state filing is complex. Each state has its own rules about what income is taxable, how to claim credits for taxes paid to other states, and what forms to file. A CPA who handles travel nurse taxes regularly knows the nuances of every state.
You are a 1099 independent contractor. If you work as an independent contractor rather than a W-2 employee, your tax situation is significantly more complex. You owe self-employment tax, need to make quarterly estimated payments, and have access to a wider range of deductions. A CPA is essential for 1099 travel nurses. For more on this distinction, see our W-2 vs. 1099 guide.
You receive large tax-free stipends and want to ensure compliance. If stipends make up a significant portion of your compensation, having a CPA verify that your tax home documentation supports non-taxable treatment gives you peace of mind and audit protection.
You had a significant life change. Marriage, divorce, buying a home, selling a home, having a child — all of these affect your tax situation. A CPA can help you navigate the intersection of these changes with your travel nursing income.
You are facing an IRS notice or audit. If the IRS has contacted you, hire a CPA or enrolled agent immediately. They can represent you, communicate with the IRS on your behalf, and protect your interests.
You just started travel nursing. Setting up your tax home, understanding stipend compliance, and structuring your finances correctly from day one is far easier (and cheaper) than fixing mistakes later.

What a Travel-Nurse-Savvy CPA Does Differently

A CPA who regularly works with travel nurses brings specialized knowledge that a generalist lacks:

Understands IRS rules on tax homes and itinerant workers. They know the three-factor test the IRS uses to determine tax home status, they understand the documentation required, and they can tell you exactly what you need to do to maintain compliance. A general CPA may not even know what an “itinerant worker” classification means.

Handles multi-state tax filing confidently. They know which states have reciprocity agreements, which states require filing even for short assignments, and how to claim credits to avoid being double-taxed. This alone can save you significant money and prevent costly filing errors.

Advises on stipend compliance and documentation. They can review your pay packages to confirm that stipend amounts are within GSA guidelines, verify that your agency is reporting them correctly, and advise on what documentation to maintain.

Familiar with agency pay structures. They understand the difference between blended and itemized pay, know how to read a travel nurse pay stub, and can spot red flags in how your agency is structuring your compensation.

Provides proactive tax planning. A good CPA does not just file your return in April. They help you plan throughout the year — advising on W-4 adjustments, estimated payments, retirement contributions, and strategies to minimize your tax liability legally.

Can represent you in an audit. If the IRS questions your tax home status or the non-taxable treatment of your stipends, your CPA can handle the correspondence, provide documentation, and represent you in meetings with the IRS.

How to Find the Right CPA

Where to Look

Finding a CPA who specializes in travel nurse taxes takes more effort than searching “CPA near me,” but the results are worth it:

Travel nurse CPA directories and referral networks. Several online directories specifically list CPAs and tax professionals who work with travel nurses. These are your best starting point.
Travel nurse Facebook groups and online communities. Ask fellow travel nurses who they use and whether they are satisfied. Personal recommendations from nurses in similar situations are valuable.
Professional organizations. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and state CPA societies have directories where you can search for CPAs by specialty.
Ask fellow travel nurses for referrals. Word of mouth remains the most reliable way to find a CPA who delivers. Nurses who have been through audits or complex multi-state filings can tell you who handled it well.
Verify credentials. Confirm that the person is a licensed CPA or an enrolled agent (EA). Both can represent you before the IRS. Be wary of unlicensed “tax preparers” who may not have the training to handle your situation.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before you commit to a CPA, interview them. A good CPA will welcome your questions:

“How many travel nurse clients do you have?” You want someone who works with travel nurses regularly, not someone who had one travel nurse client three years ago.
“Are you familiar with tax home requirements?” If they pause or give a vague answer, move on.
“Do you handle multi-state filing?” This should be a confident yes.
“What is your fee structure?” Get a clear picture of costs upfront. Some charge flat fees, others charge hourly, and some charge per state filed.
“Do you offer year-round tax planning or just filing?” The best CPAs provide ongoing support, not just a once-a-year transaction.
“Can you represent me in an audit?” CPAs and enrolled agents can; unlicensed preparers generally cannot.
“Are you available for mid-year questions?” You should be able to reach your CPA when you need advice about a new contract, a life change, or a tax home concern — not only during tax season.

Red Flags to Avoid

Not every CPA is a good fit. Walk away if you encounter:

No familiarity with travel nurse stipends. If you have to explain what a housing stipend is, they are not the right CPA for you.
Guaranteed refund amounts. No legitimate CPA guarantees a specific refund before reviewing your full tax situation. This is a sign of aggressive (and potentially fraudulent) tax practices.
Discouragement from maintaining a tax home. If a CPA tells you a tax home is “not worth the hassle” or “not necessary,” they do not understand travel nursing taxation.
Extremely low fees. Quality travel nurse tax preparation takes time because of the complexity involved. If the fee seems too good to be true, the CPA is likely using a cookie-cutter approach that may miss critical details.
No experience with multi-state filing. Multi-state filing is fundamental to travel nursing. A CPA who cannot handle it is not the right fit.

What to Expect: Costs and Services

Typical fees: Travel nurse CPA fees generally range from $300 to $800 for federal and state tax preparation, depending on the number of states you worked in and the complexity of your situation. Multi-state filers with five or more states may pay more. Some CPAs offer a flat annual fee that includes tax preparation, planning, and mid-year consultations.

What is typically included: Federal tax return preparation, state tax return preparation (for all states where filing is required), and basic tax planning advice. Some CPAs include a year-end review or tax planning session in their base fee.

Additional services: Quarterly estimated tax payment calculations, formal tax planning sessions, audit representation, and consulting on business structures (LLCs, S-Corps) are often available for additional fees.

Comparing CPA costs to tax software: Quality tax software costs $50 to $200 per year, plus state filing fees. A CPA costs more upfront, but the value comes from expertise, error prevention, and audit protection. A CPA who identifies a tax home issue that saves you $10,000 in unnecessarily taxed stipends has paid for themselves 15 times over.

The ROI analysis: If your CPA costs $500 per year and their expertise saves you even $2,000 in taxes or prevents a $5,000 audit penalty, the return on investment is clear. Most travel nurses who use a specialized CPA report that the value far exceeds the cost.

How to Work Effectively With Your CPA

The value you get from your CPA depends partly on how well you work together. Here is how to get the most out of the relationship:

Share contract details at the start of each assignment. Send your CPA a summary of each new contract — the pay breakdown, assignment location, and duration. This helps them plan your tax situation proactively.
Provide organized documentation. Keep pay stubs, stipend records, receipts for deductible expenses, and tax home documentation organized by year and contract. The more organized your records, the less time the CPA spends sorting through paperwork — which means lower fees and more accurate returns.
Ask questions during the year. Do not save all your questions for April. If you are considering an assignment that might push past 12 months in one location, or if your tax home situation changes, call your CPA before making decisions.
Schedule a mid-year tax planning session. By June or July, you have enough data to estimate your annual liability. A mid-year check-in lets you adjust withholdings, make strategic decisions about remaining assignments, and avoid surprises.
Respond promptly to document requests. When your CPA asks for information, send it quickly. Delays in providing documentation delay your return and can lead to extensions or rushed filing.
Keep them informed about life changes. Marriage, divorce, buying or selling a home, having a child, or any other major life event affects your taxes. Tell your CPA as soon as it happens.

CPA vs. Tax Software vs. DIY

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right approach depends on your complexity:

When tax software is sufficient:

You have a straightforward W-2 arrangement with one or two states
You have a clear, well-documented tax home with no gray areas
You have no 1099 income
You are comfortable with technology and willing to research any questions that come up

When you need a CPA:

You work in three or more states per year
You have 1099 income or a mix of W-2 and 1099
Your tax home situation has any gray areas or complexity
You have high income and want to optimize your tax strategy
You are facing or want to prevent an IRS audit
You have an LLC or S-Corp structure

The hybrid approach: Some travel nurses use tax software for day-to-day record-keeping and data entry throughout the year, then have a CPA review their return before filing. This can reduce CPA fees while still getting professional oversight on the final product.

FAQ

How much does a travel nurse CPA cost?

Expect to pay between $300 and $800 for annual tax preparation, with the exact amount depending on the number of states you file in and the complexity of your tax situation. Multi-state filers with more complex situations (1099 income, LLCs, significant deductions) may pay $800 to $1,200 or more. Many CPAs offer a free initial consultation where they can give you a specific quote after understanding your situation. Always ask about fees upfront and get the fee structure in writing.

Can I use a CPA in a different state than my tax home?

Absolutely. There is no requirement that your CPA be located in your tax home state. Many of the best travel nurse CPAs serve clients nationwide and work entirely remotely. What matters is their expertise with travel nurse taxes, not their physical location. In fact, a CPA in another state who specializes in travel nursing is far more valuable than a local CPA who has never handled a multi-state travel nurse return.

Should I hire a CPA or an enrolled agent?

Both CPAs and enrolled agents (EAs) can prepare tax returns and represent you before the IRS. CPAs have a broader accounting education and can provide services beyond taxes (financial planning, business advisory). Enrolled agents specialize exclusively in tax matters and are licensed directly by the IRS. For travel nurse tax preparation specifically, either credential is appropriate. The more important factor is their experience with travel nursing clients. Ask the same interview questions regardless of whether they are a CPA or EA.

Can my CPA help me set up an LLC?

Most CPAs can advise on whether an LLC makes sense for your situation and help you understand the tax implications. However, the actual formation of an LLC is a legal process, not an accounting one. Your CPA may recommend an attorney or an LLC formation service for the filing itself. What your CPA can do is help you decide whether an LLC or S-Corp election would benefit you from a tax perspective — and for 1099 travel nurses, this can be a significant decision.

When should I first contact a CPA — before or after my first contract?

Before. Ideally, contact a CPA before you accept your first travel nursing contract. They can help you establish your tax home correctly, advise you on documentation to start keeping from day one, review your first contract’s pay structure, and set you up for a smooth tax filing from the start. If you have already started traveling without a CPA, reach out now rather than waiting until tax season. The earlier they are involved, the more proactively they can help you.

Key Takeaways

A CPA experienced with travel nursing is worth the investment. The complexity of tax homes, stipends, and multi-state filing makes specialized knowledge essential for most travel nurses.
Ask the right questions before hiring. Experience with travel nurse clients, familiarity with tax homes, and the ability to represent you in an audit are non-negotiable qualifications.
Work with your CPA year-round, not just at filing time. Proactive tax planning saves more money than reactive tax preparation.
Organized documentation makes the relationship more effective and affordable. Keep your pay stubs, contracts, receipts, and tax home records in order.
Find a recommended travel nurse CPA to get started.

Affiliate Placement Notes

CPA referral directory affiliate link in “How to Find the Right CPA” and key takeaways
Tax software affiliate link in “CPA vs. Tax Software vs. DIY” section
Document organization app affiliate link in “How to Work Effectively” section