Nurse-led tax practice
Tax gains.
No pain.
A California Registered Nurse turned tax pro. We bring the precision of the ICU to your IRS forms — so filing feels less like surgery and more like a check-up.
All gain.
No pain. Promise.
Why an RN
The same care. A different chart.
Nursing is accuracy under pressure, advocacy for people who need it, and trust earned one person at a time. That's exactly how we handle your taxes.
Care
You're a person, not a file number. We listen first, then prepare.
Precision
Nursing trained us to double-check everything. Your return gets the same discipline.
Trust
Licensed, registered, and held to a professional standard — in healthcare and in tax.
Services
Every kind of gain, covered.
Individual Returns
Federal and California, done right the first time. Every deduction found, every line double-checked.
Healthcare Worker Taxes
Shift differentials, overtime, travel stipends, agency 1099s, union dues. Nurse pay is complex — we speak it fluently.
Gains Planning
The 'Gains' in our name is a promise. Proactive strategy so you keep more of what you earn, every year.
Side Gigs & Small Business
Per-diem contracting to your own venture — entities, deductions, and clean books from day one.
How it works
Painless by design.
Say hello
A free 15-minute intro call. Tell us your situation — no jargon, no pressure.
We do the heavy lifting
Secure document upload, then we prepare your return with RN-level attention to detail.
Enjoy the gains
Review, sign, file. Your refund lands — and next year's plan is already started.
Free document checklist
Know exactly what to bring.
Tell us about your year in plain words. Our AI-powered intake builds a personalized checklist — no guessing, no last-minute scramble. Please don't include SSNs or account numbers.
Your personalized checklist will appear here.
FAQ
Nurse tax questions, answered.
The things nurses ask us most — straight answers, no jargon.
I work shifts — why is my nurse paycheck so complicated to file?+
Shift differentials, overtime, on-call pay, and bonuses all land on the same W-2 but get taxed and treated differently, and travel or agency work often adds W-2 stipends or 1099 income on top. We untangle all of it so nothing is double-reported and nothing is missed.
I'm a travel nurse. Which state do I file taxes in?+
Generally, you file a nonresident return in any state you worked in (if it has income tax) and a resident return in your tax home's state. Your permanent residence, assignments, and how long you stayed in each state all matter. We handle multi-state returns and help you keep the records that prove your tax home.
Can I deduct my commute, CEUs, or scrubs?+
Since 2018, employees can no longer deduct unreimbursed job expenses on federal returns, but the rules are friendlier if you're a contractor (1099) — mileage between facilities, licensure, CEUs, and uniforms may all qualify. California still allows some employee deductions in limited cases. We'll review your situation and tell you exactly what applies.
I do per-diem or PRN 1099 work. What should I be setting aside?+
As an independent contractor, you're responsible for both income tax and self-employment tax — many part-time 1099 nurses set aside 25–30% of that income. Quarterly estimated payments keep you from a surprise bill in April, and we can calculate the right amount for you.
What records should I keep during the year?+
W-2s and 1099s, mileage logs, receipts for licensure and education, stipend documentation, and records of any side income. Use our AI-powered checklist builder to get a personalized list based on your situation — it takes about two minutes.
How much does tax preparation cost?+
It depends on the complexity of your return — a single W-2 return is simple, while multi-state travel-nurse filings or small-business returns take more work. We'll quote you an exact fee on your free intro call before anything begins. No surprises.
When should I reach out?+
Any time. Between January and April we prepare returns; the rest of the year is ideal for planning — estimated payments, record-keeping habits, and next year's strategy. If you filed an extension, the October deadline still gives us room to get it right.
Answers are general information, not tax advice for your specific situation — every return is different. Reach out below and we'll walk through yours.
De'Lisa Gaines, BSN, RN, PHN
Founder & lead preparer
About
Founded by a nurse who knows both sides of the paycheck
Tax Gains RN was founded by De'Lisa Gaines, BSN, RN, PHN, a California-licensed Registered Nurse who found a second calling in tax preparation. Years of charting, patient advocacy, and decoding complicated pay stubs became the foundation of a different kind of practice.
The name works two ways: gains for your refund today, and RN for the standard of care behind every return.
— De'Lisa Gaines, BSN, RN, PHN
Credentials & commitments
- BSN, RN, PHN — California-licensed, in good standing
- CTEC-registered tax preparer
- PTIN holder — authorized for federal returns
- Serving individuals, families & healthcare pros
Free intro call
Ready for your gains?
Tell us where you are and when to reach you — we'll take it from there. Bring your questions; we'll bring the care plan.
- 15 minutes, no pressure, no jargon
- A reply within one business day
- Your details stay between us
Prefer email? Reach us at taxgainsrn@gmail.com