Tax Breaks for Moving
You don't have to itemize to take advantage of a deduction for expenses associated with a job-related move.
I’m moving next month. Can I deduct any of my expenses from my taxes?
The expenses may be tax-deductible if it’s a job-related move. The actual rule is tricky: To qualify, your new job must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job was from your old home. So if you used to commute 15 miles to your old job, your new job must be at least 65 miles away from your old home. It doesn’t matter whether this is your first job or you are relocating for a new position as long as you satisfy the distance test.
And you don’t have to itemize your deductions to qualify. You can write off the cost of hiring movers (or renting a moving truck) plus the cost of one-way travel to your new home for everyone in your household -- whether it’s airfare, train costs or 19 cents per mile if you drive. You can also deduct lodging expenses while traveling to your new home, the cost of packing your stuff and storing the goods within 30 days of the move, and the cost to disconnect utilities at your old residence and connect them at your new place. Report your moving expenses on Form 3903 when you file your tax return.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For more information, see IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses. Also see the IRS Tax Tip about moving for more information.
And for more advice that can save you money on your move, see 5 Cost-Saving Tips for Moving Time.
-
Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Better Than an Extended Car Warranty?More insurers are starting to offer mechanical breakdown insurance to new car owners. What is it and should you buy it?
-
What to Do When You Bank Lowers Your APYWhy banks lower APYs, options you can explore when it happens and whether more rate cuts are on the horizon.
-
Forget Financial Forecasts: Focus on These 3 Goals for SuccessWe know the economy is unpredictable and markets will do what they do, no matter who predicts what. Here's how to focus on what you can control.
-
3 Major Changes to the Charitable Deduction for 2026Tax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
-
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
-
Estate Tax Quiz: Can You Pass the Test on the 40% Federal Rate?Quiz How well do you know the new 2026 IRS rules for wealth transfer and the specific tax brackets that affect your heirs? Let's find out!
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
Tax Refund Alert: House GOP Predicts 'Average' $1,000 Payouts in 2026Tax Refunds Here's how the IRS tax refund outlook for 2026 is changing and what steps you can take now to prepare.
-
New IRS Changes to FSA Contribution Limits for 2026: What to KnowHealth Care Flexible Spending Accounts have tax advantages worth looking into, especially in light of new IRS changes.
-
Is a New $25,000 Health Care Tax Deduction Coming in 2026?Tax Policy A proposal from GOP Sen. Josh Hawley adds to the chatter about health care affordability.
