Claiming a federal tax deduction for moving costs
This article organizes the original guidance on claiming a federal tax deduction for moving costs into clear sections for easier reading and reference.
Overview
This opening section presents the main context from the original post.
Summer is a popular time to move, whether it’s so the kids do not have to change schools mid-school-year, to avoid having to move in bad weather, or simply because it can be an easier time to sell a home. Unfortunately, moving can be expensive.
The good news is that you might be eligible for a federal tax deduction for your moving costs.
Pass the tests
This section keeps the original guidance focused on pass the tests.
The first requirement is that the move be work related. You do not have to be an employee; the self-employed can also be eligible for the moving expense deduction.
The second is a distance test. The new main job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your former main job location was from that home.
So a work-related move from city to suburb or from town to neighboring town probably won’t qualify, even if not moving would increase your commute significantly.
Finally, there is a time test. You must work full time at the new job location for at least 39 weeks during the first year. If you are self-employed, you must meet that test plus work full time for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months at the new job location. (Certain limited exceptions apply.)
What’s deductible
This section keeps the original guidance focused on what’s deductible.
So which expenses can be written off? Generally, you can deduct transportation and lodging expenses for yourself and household members while moving.
In addition, you can likely deduct the cost of packing and transporting your household goods and other personal property. And you may be able to deduct the expense of storing and insuring these items while in transit. Costs related to connecting or disconnecting utilities are usually deductible, too.
But do not expect to write off everything. Meal costs during move-related travel are not deductible, nor is any part of the purchase price of a new home or expenses incurred selling your old one.
And, if your employer later reimburses you for any of the moving costs you’ve deducted, you may have to include the reimbursement as income on your tax return.
Questions about whether your moving expenses are deductible? Or what you can deduct? Contact us.
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FAQ
The questions below summarize the main points already covered in the article.
What is the main focus of Claiming a federal tax deduction for moving costs?
The article focuses on claiming a federal tax deduction for moving costs and organizes the original guidance into sections for easier review.
What topics does the article cover first?
The article begins with pass the tests and then continues through the remaining points in the original post.
Which additional areas are included?
Additional sections include what’s deductible.
Does the post include action items or reminders?
Yes. The original post includes listed items that have been kept in list format for easier scanning.
Was the original post wording changed?
The revision keeps the author wording and updates the structure so the post is easier to read online.