Federal Income Tax

Among the requirements to deduct some of those expenses (they would be considered moving expenses since you would be taking a new position) you would need to be a full time employee and work a minimum of 39 weeks in a 12 month period. Your site expenses would not be deductible (it would be considered the same as renting a home and you wouldn't even think that the rent and utilities at a house you rented would be deductible.). Those expenses would likely be deductible if your current employer required you to go to that position as a part of your normal job assignment and didn't reimburse you for those expenses (rare, and that would be a really shabby employer). As for considering it "self Employment" and business expenses, the IRS would likely take a dim view of any self employment claim that was a blanket statement such as "I am a self employed itinerant workamper". That wouldn't fly. I am reasonably confident your CPA is giving you the correct advice. Travel to this position is voluntary, not required by your current employer and you are not relocating for a full time position. In this case the government will likely get what they want, which is your money.