Are Travel Nurse Stipends Taxable?
Travel nurse stipends (housing and meals) are NOT taxable — but only if you maintain a valid tax home. If you give up your permanent residence and live full-time on the road, your stipends become fully taxable, which can cost $8,000–$15,000+ per year in lost tax benefits.
Last updated 2026-02-04
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What Is a Tax Home?
The IRS defines your tax home as your regular place of business or where you regularly live. For travel nurses, this means maintaining a permanent residence you pay for while away on assignment. You must prove you return to this home between assignments and have duplicate living expenses.
CatSol shows the full pay breakdown on every listing — base rate, housing stipend, meals stipend, and overtime. No surprises.
See transparent job listings →Three IRS Tests for a Valid Tax Home
The IRS uses three factors. You don't need all three, but meeting at least two strongly supports your position.
| Factor | What It Means | How to Meet It |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Place of Abode | You maintain a home you return to | Keep a lease/mortgage; return between assignments |
| Duplicate Expenses | You pay housing in two places | Pay rent at home AND at assignment location |
| Not Abandoned Home Area | You haven't fully relocated | Keep driver's license, voter reg, doctors, bank |
How Much Do Stipends Save You?
A nurse earning $2,800/week total with a valid tax home might pay taxes on only $1,600/week (the base rate), while $1,200/week in stipends is tax-free. Over a year that's roughly $62,000 in tax-free income. At a 25% effective tax rate, that's about $15,000 in savings — easily covering the cost of maintaining a small apartment.
CatSol shows the full pay breakdown on every listing — base rate, housing stipend, meals stipend, and overtime. No surprises.
See transparent job listings →Find Jobs With the Best Stipend Packages
Every CatSol listing shows the full pay breakdown — base rate, stipends, and take-home.
Common Tax Home Mistakes
Many nurses unknowingly lose tax-free status. Common mistakes: giving up your apartment and using a family member's address (the IRS sees you don't pay rent). Staying at one location over 12 months (you become a 'local'). Not keeping receipts for duplicate expenses. Living full-time in an RV with no fixed address. Taking assignments only in one city.
What If You Don't Have a Tax Home?
If you're truly nomadic, you have two options. Option 1: establish a tax home by renting a room or small apartment in a low-cost area (even $500/month saves you $15,000+ in taxes). Option 2: accept that all your income is taxable — some agencies will adjust your package to a higher base rate with no stipends, giving you a clean W-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my parents' address as my tax home?
What happens if the IRS audits me?
Do I need a CPA who specializes in travel nursing?
Travel nurse stipends are tax-free only with a valid tax home. The IRS requires you to maintain a permanent residence with duplicate expenses. The tax savings can exceed $15,000/year, making a tax home one of the most important financial decisions in travel nursing.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
GSA-compliant calculator with tax-free stipend breakdowns