Tax Planning Resources for 1099 Physicians

Comprehensive guides on S-Corp formation, QBI, multi-state tax, and retirement, built exclusively for high-income independent physicians. This is the tax competence behind the Physician CFO relationship: one part of coordinating your whole financial picture.

By Daniel Huang, MHA, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer|Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Troy Akers, MD, Emergency Medicine · May 2026

Expert Guides for Independent Contractor Physicians

Each guide addresses specific tax planning challenges faced by locum tenens and 1099 physicians. Written in plain language with actionable strategies and real-world examples.

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Common Tax Mistakes Independent Physicians Make

πŸ“„ 10 min read πŸ’° Tax Compliance

Six critical mistakes that cost physicians $5,000 to $20,000 annually. Covers S-Corporation timing, salary optimization, QBI threshold errors, expense tracking failures, estimated tax miscalculations, and retirement account selection.

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QBI Deduction Deep Dive for Physicians

πŸ“„ 12 min read πŸ’‘ Tax Strategy

Complete analysis of the Qualified Business Income deduction for physician S-Corporation owners. Covers phase-out calculations, SSTB classification, salary impact, threshold optimization, and the critical taxable income limitation.

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S-Corporation Formation Complete Setup Guide

πŸ“„ 15 min read πŸ”§ Implementation

Six-phase formation process covering pre-formation decisions, state incorporation, federal registration, banking setup, payroll implementation, and ongoing compliance. Includes state filing fees, Form 2553 deadlines, and MGMA salary guidance.

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Tax Strategy by Income Tier

πŸ“„ 11 min read 🎯 Strategic Planning

Income-specific optimization strategies for physicians earning $200K to $500K+. Three-tier approach covering S-Corporation formation, retirement maximization, QBI threshold management, and advanced wealth accumulation.

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Why Choose Physician-Specific Tax Expertise

πŸ“„ 9 min read πŸ” Service Comparison

Five critical gaps most generalist CPAs miss when serving independent contractor physicians. Each gap costs $3,000 to $15,000 annually in excess taxes or lost opportunities. Covers QBI monitoring, MGMA benchmarking, and proactive planning.

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QBI Deduction Complete Guide for Physicians

πŸ“„ 20 min read πŸ’° Advanced Tax Strategy

Comprehensive 5,000-word guide covering QBI phase-out mechanics, SSTB limitations, W-2 wage calculations, and 8 real-world physician scenarios including multi-state practice, spousal employment, mid-year formation, and partnership income integration.

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Physician Tax Glossary

πŸ“„ 25 min read πŸ“– Reference Guide

Comprehensive definitions of 10 critical tax terms for independent contractor physicians: Backdoor Roth IRA, Cash Balance Plan, Mega Backdoor Roth, MGMA, OBBBA, PTET, QBI, Reasonable Compensation, S-Corporation, and Solo 401(k). Each term includes physician-specific examples and strategic context.

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Multi-State Taxation Complete Guide

πŸ“„ 22 min read 🌎 Multi-State Compliance

All 50 states organized by complexity tier, income sourcing rules, entity registration requirements, estimated payment obligations, and 6 real scenarios for physicians working across state lines. Covers danger states (CA, NY, NJ), statutory residency traps, and coordination strategies.

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Cash Balance Plan Complete Guide

πŸ“„ 18 min read 🎯 Retirement Planning

Comprehensive guide to Cash Balance Plans for high-income physicians: contribution limits by age ($100K-$400K+), integration with Solo 401(k), setup requirements, provider comparison, and real scenarios for physicians age 42-58. Includes 2026 super catch-up provision for ages 60-63.

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New York S-Corp Formation Guide

πŸ“„ 16 min read πŸ“ State-Specific

PLLC pathway for New York physicians: 4-5 month realistic timeline, publication requirements ($300-$1,800 by county), Department of State filings, franchise tax obligations, and multi-state considerations for tri-state area physicians. Covers why NY requires PLLC instead of standard LLC.

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California S-Corp Tax Guide for Physicians

πŸ“„ 17 min read πŸ“ State-Specific

Complete California taxation guide: $800 minimum franchise tax, 1.5% entity-level tax, $711K doing business threshold, FTB audit exposure, EDD compliance requirements, multi-state planning, and exit strategies. Covers PTET election, BOI reporting, and residency change mechanics for physicians leaving California.

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Locum Tenens Tax Guide

πŸ“„ 13 min read πŸ₯ Locums & Travel

The tax home doctrine that decides whether your travel and lodging are deductible, the temporary versus indefinite assignment test, multi-state income sourcing and resident-state credits, entity structure across multiple jurisdictions, reasonable compensation done correctly, and 2026 retirement limits on irregular income.

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About the Authors

Daniel Huang, MHA

Daniel Huang, MHA

Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer

Background in investment banking, healthcare management consulting, and hospital finance leadership. Holds Series 7, real estate, and insurance licenses, used to evaluate strategies objectively rather than to sell products or earn commissions. Writes the tax and entity guidance published here.

Dr. Troy Akers, MD

Dr. Troy Akers, MD

Co-Founder & Physician Advisor · Medical Reviewer

Emergency Medicine physician and Army combat veteran. Advises on how tax and entity decisions play out against the realities of independent clinical practice, locum tenens scheduling, and contract work.

1099 Physician Solutions is a Physician CFO practice for independent contractor physicians. Read our story.

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