The Locum Tenens CPA Firm for Physicians

Achieving Harmony: Why Every Locum Tenens Provider Needs a Medical CPA

As a locum tenens provider, you juggle more than patient care—you manage unpredictable pay, figure out tax obligations across states, and keep up with retirement planning. 

And let’s be honest: no one hands you a guidebook when you start down the locum path. Without an expert who understands the unique financial ins and outs of locum work, it’s all too easy to miss out on substantial savings, tax benefits, and the financial security you deserve.

Imagine having a trusted financial partner who anticipates these challenges and knows exactly how to turn them into opportunities. A CPA specializing in physicians who work locum tenens doesn’t just handle taxes—they’re your guide to maximizing income, simplifying financial planning, and building a solid foundation for your future. This is more than just good accounting; it’s about empowering you to focus on what you love while knowing your finances are in good hands.

Let’s explore how partnering with a medical CPA can help you make the most of your locum career.

Managing Variable Income: Don’t Let Fluctuations Sink Your Budget

Locum tenens work brings flexibility and freedom but often comes with unpredictable income swings. One month might feel like a windfall, while the next could be leaner than expected. This variability can make financial planning seem impossible for locum doctors, with tax surprises lurking at every corner.

A dedicated medical CPA, though, can create a customized plan that flexes with your income, ensuring you’re saving for the future and staying tax-efficient. After all, no one wants to be left scrambling during tax season or feeling the burn of missed financial opportunities.

Keeping the Books: Stay Organized, Save Time

Bookkeeping is more than a record—it’s the backbone of a healthy financial structure. The Doctor’s CPA provides locum-focused bookkeeping services that streamline expense tracking, income categorization, and documentation. With organized and accurate records, you’re set up for effortless tax preparation, reduced errors, tax minimization strategies, and enhanced insight into cash flow. This is more than convenience; it’s a foundation for sustained financial success.

Family Payroll: Pay Your Team (and Yourself) Properly

Payroll becomes part of the picture when structuring your locum practice as a business. The Doctor’s CPA ensures everything is set up accurately and legally, whether it’s family payroll, salary management, or payroll taxes.

With expert payroll management for family or support staff, you avoid costly errors, simplify compliance, and even gain potential tax advantages. By setting up payroll through your CPA, you benefit from both financial and operational stability.

Simplified Financial Statements: Gain Clarity and Confidence

Financial statements provide a clear picture of where you stand financially. The Doctor’s CPA prepares essential financial statements that help you monitor income and expenses, evaluate profitability, and make informed decisions.  Even if you’re a sole proprietor, understanding your financial position is essential. Many solo locum tenens practitioners may initially think that financial organization isn’t a critical service. However, with the blurred lines between personal and business finances in this type of work, getting your numbers in order is one of the most important—and often overlooked—steps. Beyond taxes, having a clear financial picture is key to making informed decisions and setting yourself up for long-term success.

For locum doctors running a business, these statements aren’t just paperwork—they’re important insights for growth and strategic planning.  With up-to-date financial records, you can assess the health of your practice and make adjustments proactively.

State Tax Returns: Stay Compliant Across State Lines

As a locum tenens provider, you may work in multiple states, each with its own tax requirements. Handling multiple state tax returns can be confusing and time-consuming. The Doctor’s CPA helps you stay compliant across state lines, ensuring you’re up to date on all obligations and avoiding penalties.

Maximizing Tax Efficiency: Stop Overpaying Uncle Sam

Your tax obligations as a locum tenens provider differ significantly from those of a standard employee, but that difference can mean savings—with a medical CPA in your corner. Deductions, credits, and unique self-employment tax nuances abound in this field, and a knowledgeable CPA will ensure you’re not overpaying or overlooking eligible deductions. The DIY approach to taxes can lead to hefty missed deductions and overlooked credits, incorrect forms, record penalties, missed deadlines and interest for late filings.

Strategic Business Planning: Think Like a Business Owner (Because You Are One)

Locum tenens providers aren’t just working jobs but running a business. That means making savvy decisions about cash flow, choosing the proper business structure, and planning for long-term goals like retirement.

A CPA specializing in physicians’ financials is more than just a number cruncher; they’re a strategic partner who’ll help you structure your locum tenens business to maximize growth and protect your income. Without this guidance, it’s easy to miss out on financial advantages that could ultimately secure your future.

Customized Benefits and Retirement Planning

Transitioning from a W2 position to working as a locum tenens contractor can feel daunting, especially if you are concerned about losing traditional employee benefits. However, as a 1099 contractor, you have unique opportunities to negotiate benefits within your contracts, such as reimbursable malpractice insurance or health, dental, and vision coverage.

If you choose to arrange your own benefits privately, you gain the flexibility to select providers that fit your needs—and these expenses can often be treated as tax-deductible business costs.

Additionally, business retirement plans offer the potential for significantly larger contributions than a typical W2 employee plan. Depending on factors like your age, payroll, and overall earnings, you could contribute as much as $300,000 annually, compared to the much lower annual limits for employees (e.g., $23,500 in 2025). Embracing these benefits can help you maximize your financial freedom and security as a locum tenens professional.

Long-Term Financial Health: Build Security for Your Future

When building long-term wealth, locum tenens doctors often face unique obstacles. Managing day-to-day expenses while also trying to secure long-term investments and retirement savings isn’t easy alone.

A CPA can help you craft a clear path to financial security, from smart investment choices to retirement planning, ensuring you’re in great shape for years to come.

Confidence and Peace of Mind: Focus on Your Patients, Not Your Finances

Locum tenens work means you’re juggling new assignments, maybe even new locations, on top of personal life and career demands. Managing complex finances on top of it all? That’s a tall order.

With a medical CPA handling your finances, you’re not just gaining clarity—you’re gaining peace of mind. With this financial expertise, you can focus on what you do best: providing quality care without the constant stress of financial uncertainty.

Don’t let money slip through the cracks. Work with a CPA specializing in physicians and keep more of your hard-earned cash where it belongs—in your pocket.

Talk to a financial expert today to ensure your locum tenens career is on solid financial footing.