Which Moving Expenses Are Tax Deductible?

By Travis Few | November 23, 2015

Let’s talk about the most satisfying aspect of moving: Taking it off your taxes. After this difficult and uprooting process, what could be more gratifying than to recoup some of the expense?

Sadly, not everyone can deduct moving expenses. But if you meet one of these situations, you’re in luck:

Job-Related Moving Expenses May Be Tax Deductible

If your move is related to getting a new job, you may be able to deduct moving expenses.

Your new job location must be 50 miles or more from your old home, and less than 50 miles from your new home.
You must start the job within one year of the move (with some exceptions).
You must work full-time 39 weeks of the 52 weeks after your move.

Business-Related Moving Expenses May Be Tax Deductible

If you own your own business or are starting one, the requirements are much the same as for job-related moves.

You must work 39 weeks of the first 52 weeks after your move, or 78 weeks during the first 24 months.

Active-Duty Armed Forces Can Deduct Moving Expenses

If you are a member of the armed forces and on active duty, you may be able to deduct moving expenses the military doesn’t reimburse. A move to your first post or from one permanent post to another may qualify, and moving expenses of your spouse and dependents may be deductible too.

Some Who Are Returning to the U.S. May Deduct Moving Expenses

Those who worked overseas and are now retiring and moving back to the U.S. may find their moving expenses are tax deductible.

If your spouse, parent, or dependent was working overseas and died, you may be able to deduct moving expenses if you move within 6 months of their death.

To be sure you qualify for these deductions, ask a tax professional or visit www.irs.gov for more details.

How to Deduct Moving Expenses if You Qualify

Keep careful records when you move and preparing tax deductions for your moving expense will be a breeze. Get receipts for these expenses during your move:

Travel Expenses

Gas and oil
Tolls
Cost of a rental truck
Lodging near your old home for one night
Plane tickets to your new home
Costs to transport your pets

Moving Expenses

Packing materials
Movers
Moving insurance
Storage and insurance costs for 30 days
Cost of moving your vehicle to your new home

Utilities

Costs of connecting and disconnecting your utilities due to moving

Although Not Every Moving Expense is Tax Deductible

Do not try to deduct:

Gas, tolls, or mileage for side trips you make while traveling during your move
Hotels as a result of side trips
Meals related to moving
Costs for delivering new furniture
Expenses covered by your employer

Few Moves Moving Company will provide you with the receipts you need to deduct your moving expenses from your taxes.

Because Few Moves is a full-service moving company, we can handle all your moving needs. For help with planning, packing and unpacking, supplies, loading and unloading, and other services, call Few Moves today at (919) 999-6201 in Raleigh or (910) 512-6999 in Wilmington, or request a quote online.