How much time do you get to sightsee?

I usually work 3-4 shifts/week. Remember that although the agency may pay for your housing, most travelers still are paying to maintain their primary residence - their tax home- in their home state. If you do not maintain a tax home then all the money your agency puts out for housing and M&I is taxable income to you.

The sightseeing is a big plus to traveling. I enjoy not only being able to do the "touristy" things but also finding all the attractions no one but locals know about.

Typically, contracts are for 36 hrs a week, that leaves 4 days to sight see.

Where does the money go??? Wherever we want it to!! :) Some people pay for their own permanent house, some pay for kids' college, pay off debt, shop alot, etc. I, personally, vacation for 1-3 months between contracts and go wherever I want during contracts. I am now "considering" saving some :).

You don't have to own a home to have a "tax home"....contributing monthly to someone else's home (such as a parents/sibling/friend), even a small amount, staying there for a few weeks here and there, and using that as your mailing address is enough, according to the "taxable home worksheet".

Typically, contracts are for 36 hrs a week, that leaves 4 days to sight see.

Where does the money go??? Wherever we want it to!! :) Some people pay for their own permanent house, some pay for kids' college, pay off debt, shop alot, etc. I, personally, vacation for 1-3 months between contracts and go wherever I want during contracts. I am now "considering" saving some :).

You don't have to own a home to have a "tax home"....contributing monthly to someone else's home (such as a parents/sibling/friend), even a small amount, staying there for a few weeks here and there, and using that as your mailing address is enough, according to the "taxable home worksheet".

Be careful on this advice! According to Joseph Smith (aka TravelTax), a tax professional who specializes in traveling professionals, this is NOT enough to establish/maintain a "tax home". He answers a lot of these general questions on his website (without any obligation). I'd advise reading up on it as recruiters, etc. really aren't well versed in tax law.

The above poster is right. I do the "alternative" option. And, really, noone should ever go on advice from open forums. Often, details are ommitted. Thanks to the above person for the clarification!

http://www.traveltax.com/TravelRN/KnowledgeBase/TaxHome.htm

Can I claim my relatives home as a tax home?

Only if you have substantial expenses contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the dwelling. A rental from a relative must function as a normal rental. Make sure you have a contract, and pay fair market rent for the area. Since rent paid is rent received, the person renting the dwelling to you should claim the income on their tax return. An alternative is sharing the total cost of the residence. Make sure you maintain documentation for the monthly household costs and a paper trail of your contributions