Re: Question about housing stipend, per diem and taxes
19.50 is not a good pay rate anywhere that I know of. Even if you are getting to claim the perdiem rates. It's all smoke and mirrors when it comes to getting the best rate from the travel companies. Some pay a little more here and then take away somewhere else. Find the best pay, housing stipend and travel money where you want to travel to and then be happy to have a travel assignment.
If you have not traveled before, make sure you have a tax professional review your tax requirements, and possible deductions. Keep all of your reciepts for anything that may be associated with travel expenses, work expenses and especially "duplicate" expenses, while on assignment away from home. Remember if you stay in one place too long, it's no longer a travel assignment, even if you still own a home somewhere else.
"Perdiem" is the amount of money you can claim as a Tax deduction for working away from home and are required to seek lodging and meals while away. There are different amounts depending on where you are staying. Look up IRS Perdiem Rate Chart for the area you are in.
Hope that helps, remember I am a travel nurse and not an expert in anything but my life.
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