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Discussion

CA local travel??

I'm a new travel nurse in Southern California finishing up my first assignment which is approx 70 miles away from home. Overall my assignment has gone well but due to my schedule preferences I've chosen not to extend my contract.

I recently informed my agency of this and that I would like to do some local registry/per diem work for more schedule flexibility. However, my agency is now trying to convince me to take travel assignments that are very local to me (like within a 20-30 miles).

I've expressed my concerns regarding not wanting to get in trouble and audited by the IRS and they keep reassuring me that it is okay.

However, I work with a traveler at my staff job who warns me never to take assignments under a 50 mile radius from my home and how he knows people who have had to pay the IRS back due to doing that.

So my question is.. WHO do I believe? Is my agency lying to me or can I feel safe taking local assignments? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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    There is no exact mileage rule with the IRS. You just have to work far enough away to not be able to "reasonably return home" every day. So ask yourself, Is it reasonable to drive 20-30 miles each way every day? Will the IRS agree with you?

    My first two years of college. I commuted 40 miles each way every day. My now staff position was 76 miles from my tax home, just 1 mile over the minimum to receive relocation reimbursement. Im just throwing those out there to give you something to chew on. Remember, your recruiter is not a tax professional.

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    If you commute from home, you are not eligible for special tax treatment. Period. You can take the local assignment, but all compensation will (should) be taxed. Just like any local job.

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    Ned is right. I guess what I said could be confusing. What I meant was, if it's not reasonable to return home, naturally you'd be getting a place to stay: therefore you're eligible for stipend, etc. This is because you're now traveling for work.

    I mentioned my commute in college to give an idea of what is and isn't a reasonable commute. If it's reasonable, you're not eligible for the untaxed compensation. 40 miles was reasonable. A pain, but reasonable. 75 was not, which is why the hospital paid me to move closer.

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