Here’s Why You Probably Can’t Deduct Moving Expenses From Your Taxes in 2024
Updated: 10/03/24
Published: 06/28/23
Moving isn’t cheap. If you can lighten the load a bit by deducting the expenses from your taxable income, then it seems like a no brainer to do so.
But can you do it?
Probably not.
According to the IRS, you can only claim moving expenses as a tax deduction if you are an active member of the military.
Sorry about that.
If you’re in the military, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about moving expense tax deductions.
If you’re not in the military, fear not. Jump to here to see if there’s anything you can do still.
Moving expenses are generally not tax deductible
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, set in place by the IRS for the 2018 tax year, suspended the deduction for moving expenses for all taxpayers except for active-duty members of the Armed Forces who move due to a military order and a permanent change of station.
So unfortunately, the answer is no. You can not deduct moving expenses from your taxes unless you’re an active member of the military. This means retirees or any other groups cannot deduct the expenses. It also is effective Nationwide, so neither Massachusetts, Colorado, Oregon, nor any other state can file moving expense tax deductions.
Prior to this change, a broader range of taxpayers could claim moving expenses if the move was closely related to the start of a new job and the new workplace met certain distance requirements from the taxpayer’s old home and old job. According to the TCJA, this suspension remains in effect until 2025, unless the law changes.
Why did the IRS update their tax laws on moving expenses?
The modifications to the tax laws on moving expenses were made as a part of a larger tax reform effort to simplify the tax code and broaden the tax base.
The TCJA removed or limited many itemized deductions, including the moving expenses deduction, while simultaneously doubling the standard deduction.
This change was designed to simplify the filing process and reduce the tax burden for many individuals, but it also eliminated certain benefits, such as the deduction for moving expenses.
What active military members need to know about moving expenses & tax season
Remember, if you’re in the military and you’re moving due to a military order and a permanent change of station, you can still claim moving expenses on your tax return.
In 2022, the IRS updated its Form 3903, which is used to calculate and claim the moving expense deduction for military members.
Here are some key considerations for active-duty military members as per the most recent Instructions for Form 3903.
- Eligibility: To claim moving expenses, military members must be moving pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. This includes moves from home to your first post of active duty, from one permanent post of duty to another, and from your last post of duty to home or to a nearer point in the United States.
- What to Claim: Generally, active-duty military members can deduct the reasonable, unreimbursed expenses of moving themselves and members of their household. These include the costs of packing, crating, and transporting household goods and personal effects, including expenses for hauling a trailer, packing, crating, in-transit storage, and insurance for these items. It also includes travel expenses, such as lodging (but not meals) while traveling from the old residence to the new one.
- Completing Form 3903: This form consists of three parts. Part I is for moving expenses for which a reimbursement was received, Part II is for moving expenses not reimbursed, and Part III is where the deduction is calculated. In essence, military personnel will list their expenses in the respective sections, calculate their total expenses, and then subtract any reimbursements received.
- Record Keeping: It’s vital to keep thorough records of all moving expenses. This includes receipts, bill of lading, in-transit storage charges, and travel expense records. This will help if the IRS requires proof of the claimed expenses.
- When to Claim: The moving expenses deduction is claimed in the year in which the expenses are paid or incurred, regardless of when the reimbursement is received. Therefore, it’s important to track when payments are made to ensure they are claimed in the correct tax year.
It’s important for military members to familiarize themselves with this form and to accurately calculate their moving expenses, as this can potentially reduce their taxable income significantly.
What about non-military people and moving expense tax deductions?
If you’re not in the military, you are probably disappointed to hear that you can’t leverage your moving expenses on your next tax return.
But don’t despair, there are still some other potential ways to offset your moving expenses and even pay less in the first place.
Other tax deduction ideas
- Employer reimbursements: One way to navigate this situation is to negotiate with your employer to cover some or all of your moving expenses. Many companies offer relocation packages to employees who are moving for work-related reasons. However, these reimbursements are generally considered taxable income and should be reported on your tax return.
- Job hunting expenses: While you can’t deduct moving expenses, job hunting costs are still potentially deductible if you’re looking for a job in your current line of work. Keep track of these costs as they can help reduce your taxable income.
- Home sale and purchase costs: If you’re selling a home to relocate, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) of the gain from the sale of your home from your income, if you meet certain requirements. Costs associated with buying or renting can also be tax deductible. Real estate agents and landlords can help streamline these expenses and deductions through the use of intelligent accounting software.
- Charitable donations: If you’re downsizing before your move, consider donating unwanted items to a qualified charitable organization. You can often claim a tax deduction for these donations.
While moving expenses aren’t deductible for most, these strategies demonstrate the importance of speaking to a tax professional to maximize your savings.
How to reduce your moving expenses
Another way to alleviate your disappointment may seem obvious: if you can’t deduct it, try to pay less in the first place.
Here are some ways to cut costs while moving.
- Do-it-yourself moves: Instead of hiring professional movers, consider a DIY move. Rent a moving truck, recruit some friends, and handle the move yourself.
- Declutter before moving: The less you have to move, the less it will cost. Use your move as an opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you don’t need.
- Get multiple quotes: If you’re using professional movers, be sure to get quotes from multiple companies. Prices can vary significantly, so shopping around can save you a significant amount of money.
- Move during off-peak times: Mover pricing can vary, so it’s no surprise that supply and demand can play a factor in what they charge. Licensed Realtor Darren Robertson gives the following tip: “If possible, schedule your move for off-peak times. Movers often charge less during weekdays or outside of summer months.”
Although the moving expense deduction is generally off the table, there are still ways to manage these costs effectively. Careful planning and organization, as well as exploring all potential avenues for savings, can help ease the financial burden of you move.
Related:
The bottom line
While it’s true that for most taxpayers, moving expenses are no longer tax-deductible, it’s not all bad news. The broader tax reforms brought about by the TCJA mean that many people will see a decrease in their overall tax liability, even without the moving expenses deduction. And for active-duty military members, the deduction for moving expenses is still available.
As always, understanding your unique tax situation is key to maximizing your benefits and minimizing your liability. Whether you’re a military member moving because of a new order, or a civilian planning a big move, consult with a tax professional or trusted tax software to ensure you’re taking full advantage of the tax benefits available to you.
