LocalRNIC

Fortunately the agency that I have been working with for my contracts has been very by-the-book when it comes to their pay practices. All of my contracts have been at a flat, hourly rate and have had all of the appropriate taxes taken out just as they would be in any standard W-2 type position. I've been approached by other agencies that promise the moon and the stars and assure me that they can put me into a local contract with all the tax-free goodies to boot! I actually have found it helpful, because it has reduced the list of potential agencies I want to utilize VERY rapidly. I am leaning towards the retirement advantage of a C corporation as my intended structure. I am fortunate to have exceptional health coverage through my wife's employer, so the advantage of subchapter S doesn't get me too excited. However, as my current salary is adequate to provide for the day to day expenses, the ability to exponentially increase my retirement savings has me swooning. Within that framework, though, is there a significant change in how I would "pay" myself from the corporation given the lack of tax free stipends? Or am I overcomplicating this? (perhaps a conversation better suited for an email exchange?)

This question may blur the lines a bit between "travel" and "agency" work, but here goes: Earlier this year I left the comfort amd security of full-time exployee status to enter the realm of local travel/agency contracts. I'm currently working my third 13-week assignment and I'm loving the challenge, the variety or settings I've been able to work in, and an approximately 30% pay increase! I've recently become familiar (by way of NedRN's meticulously crafted FAQ) with the possibility of acting as my own agent (Independent Contractor) by incorporating and securing my own contracts through the connections I've made over the years in my area. The thought of having an increased ability to determine all aspects of my contract is very appealing. And having a spouse who also works full-time picking up insurance/benefits effectively eliminated one potentially major hurdle. however it has left me wondering... Are the benefits of IC status/incorporating available to those that don't work away from their tax home? All of the assignments I would potentially take on would be well within a reasonable commute, thus no requirement for me to secure travel housing. Has anyone else here attempted something similar? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!