It’s Tax Season – Can You Deduct Your Move?

Between a downpayment or deposit on your new home, the cost of new furniture, the cost of getting setup, and of course the cost of the move itself, moving takes a toll on your wallet. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could recoup some of that, at least for the move?

Is a Move Tax Deductible?

The short answer to whether a move is tax deductible, is maybe. The long answer is it depends on your job.

If You Move for a Job, is it Tax Deductible?

As with any tax question, it’s complicated. If you are moving a neighborhood or even a city over, and you happen to be starting a new job at the same time, you probably won’t be able to claim it. If, however, you are moving a lot closer to your new job, then maybe. Here’s what the IRS says:

Another requirement involves the distance between your new workplace and your old home. To claim your moving costs, your new place of employment must be at least 50 miles farther away from your old home than your old place of employment. As an example, if you lived in a home that was 20 miles away from your old job, you’ll have to take a job at a new company that is at least 70 miles away from your old home to qualify for the deduction.

Members of the United States military can claim their moving expenses regardless of the distance or employment requirements if they are making a permanent change in their military status such as retirement

or termination of service.

That’s Not Everything

At least 50 miles closer to my new job, got it. But, of course, the IRS doesn’t make it that easy. They also have a time requirement. You have to work at least 39 weeks out of the first tax year to qualify. If, though, the job you moved for doesn’t work out, that’s okay. As long as you work 39 weeks at some job in your new location, you should be fine.

There are some exceptions, too.

If you start your new job months before your family moves to the new location because of special circumstances, such as a spouse who is receiving medical care or a child who is finishing school near your old home, you can still deduct your moving expenses despite the fact that your move occurs long after your first day of work.

Now for the Disclaimer

At FairPrice Movers, we are great at what we do, which is safely and efficiently packing and moving, and storing your precious items. We are not tax professionals, so before you take our word for anything, check with your tax advisor.

Featured image CC2.0 by Pictures of Money, via Flickr