Never Surrender: Don’t get buried by your Travel Nurse taxes!
The April 15 deadline for filing federal taxes is swiftly approaching. Travel Nurse taxes can seem a bit daunting especially if you are just starting out and it’s your first year mastering getting them filed.
Here are some tips for handling your 2013 Travel Nurse taxes:
Get an Extension
If you are just now thinking about filing your 2013 taxes, my best advice for you is to file for an extension. Like most things, getting it done right trumps getting it done right now. This is SO true when it comes to filing your taxes. And don’t worry, the old rumor that if you file late you are inviting an audit is not true!
Round Up Your Paperwork
Hopefully you have been saving all your receipts and tracking your mileage, for example. (If not, there’s no better time than now to start doing so for next year!)
You want to have any receipts related to your work as well as your travel contracts handy. Receipts for meals, fuel, housing, and other job-related costs can be eligible for deduction. Save everything in an organized manner and you are setting yourself for an easier process and a larger return.
Learn From an Expert
Especially your first year or two filing taxes as a Travel Nurse I would highly recommend that you consult with an expert — if not have them file your taxes for you.
*The* expert in this particular realm is Joseph C. Smith at TravelTax.com. Even outside of the tax-filing crunch, Travel Tax offers a lot of great pointers and resources that can help you track your monthly expenses year-round so the idea of filing your Travel Nurse taxes isn’t so daunting. Travel Tax also offers a fantastic and thorough FAQ section as reference.
Rarick Kobaly is another Travel Nurse tax specialist that caters to a Travel Nurse’s unique tax-filing needs.
Bottom Line
Don’t panic. You will get the hang of tax home vs. permanent residence, and other such hot topics regarding Travel Nurse taxes. Definitely don’t let the idea of filing psych you out. You’ve got this!
Good luck with your 2013 filings, and please share any tips you may have for filing Travel Nurse taxes in the comments.