Relocating? You May Qualify for a Moving Expense Tax Deduction

by Rae Catanese

in Housing Bill and Tax Credits, Relocation Resources

Relocating?  Deducting Moving Expenses on your taxes may make your relocation a little less stressful.  Here are the IRS rules to see if you qualify:

If you are moving due to a change in your job or business location, or because you started a new job or business, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses.  To qualify for the moving expense deduction, you must satisfy two tests.

Under the first test, the “distance test”, your new job must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job location was from your old home. If you had no previous workplace, your new job must be at least 50 miles from your old home.

The second test is the “time test”. If you are an employee, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months right after you arrive in the general area of your new job. If you are self-employed, you must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months after you arrive in the general area of your new work location. There are exceptions to the time test in case of death, disability and involuntary separation, among other things.

If you are a member of the armed forces and your move was due to a permanent change of station, you do not have to satisfy the “distance or time tests”.

Moving expenses are figured on Form 3903 (PDF) and deducted as an adjustment to income on Form 1040 (PDF). You cannot deduct any moving expenses that were reimbursed by your employer.

For more information on deductible moving expenses, please refer to Publication 521, Moving Expenses.

See also: Tampa Bay Relocation Guide

Need help relocating to the Tampa Bay Area? Contact me to find your perfect home!  Rae Catanese, PA-Licensed Realtor-Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater.  813 784 7744 or email

You May Also Want To Read:

    None Found

Got a Question? Email Us or Search All Homes For Sale

Rae Catanese

Like what you are reading? Subscribe by email to become a Tampa Real Estate Insider! Rae Catanese, a Tampa Realtor for almost a decade and creator of The Tampa Real Estate Insider. Rae has been quoted by The Tampa Bay Business Journal, HGTV'S frontdoor.com, The Tampa Tribune, and the St. Petersburg Times.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Previous post:

Next post: