​The new tax plan, which is on its way through Congress as we speak, will change a lot of the tax rules now in place for healthcare travelers and travel nurses. If signed, the bill will become effective January 1 and it's looking like that will happen.

Some of the many changes relative to you as a travel nurse are:

You will no longer be able to deduct Employee Expenses such as travel expenses (mileage and/or lodging) to get to your new job. These were previously deductible but will not be under the new plan.

For seasonal travelers who would normally be provided lodging and transportation as taxable income and therefore claim the expenses, will no longer be able to do so. This means that your housing allowance will now be income that is taxable as well, with no deductions to offset the additional amount. Even meals will no longer be an allowable expense.

Licenses, CEUs, uniforms, etc. will no longer be deductible by the provider and this expense will fall on either the agency or the traveler, once again with no deductions allowed.

Under previous tax laws if your contract is cancelled you would be able to deduct your expenses for that travel assignment. This loss of income is no longer considered a tax deduction either.

There will be many changes faced by the whole industry. You will have to stay on top of it or make sure your tax professional is aware of your situation to make the best choices for your future assignments. Safe travels and stay informed. Big changes are afoot!

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network