Tax Breaks When Moving to Take Your First Job
The cost of hiring movers and traveling to a new home are tax-deductible if you meet the distance test.


Question: I just graduated from college and will be starting my first job in September. Are my moving expenses tax-deductible?Answer:
It depends on how far you move. If you’re starting your first job, you can deduct your moving expenses if the new job is at least 50 miles away from your old home. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of hiring movers (including the cost of packing as well as transporting your possessions) or the cost of renting a moving van. You can also deduct the cost of travel from your old home to your new home (including lodging, but not meals). If you drive, you can deduct 17 cents per mile in 2017, as well as parking and tolls. Keep your receipts and a mileage log. You can also deduct the cost of storing your possessions for up to 30 days between moving and delivery. You can’t deduct any part of the expenses that are reimbursed by your employer.
After your first job, you can deduct moving expenses if your new job is 50 or more miles farther from your old home than your old job was. For instance, if you used to work six miles from home, your new job must be at least 56 miles from your former residence. You don’t need to itemize to take the deduction. Submit IRS Form 3903 when you file your taxes next spring. For more information and a full list of eligible expenses, see IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
Donating Complex Assets Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
If you're looking to donate less-conventional assets but don't know where to start, this charity executive has answers, such as considering a donor-advised fund (DAF) for its tax benefits and ease of use.
-
Travel trends you can expect this summer
The Kiplinger Letter Domestic trips will trump foreign travel amid economic uncertainties, though some costs are down.
-
Ask the Editor, May 16 — Reader Questions on Capital Gains
In our latest Ask the Editor round-up, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers three questions from readers on capital gains.
-
Missouri Leads Capital Gains Tax Repeal: Will Your State Follow?
State Tax As one state becomes a test case, policymakers and taxpayers across the U.S. will be watching closely to see what happens next.
-
IRS Government Watchdog Warns More Layoffs to Come
IRS Over 11,400 IRS employees took the Trump-instructed buyout or were terminated. What does it mean for your taxes going forward?
-
Here's How the Child Tax Credit Could Increase Under Trump
Tax Credits House Republicans released details on President Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful bill,’ including an increased child tax credit.
-
New Overtime Tax Deduction Proposed for Millions Working Extra Hours
Tax Law Some lawmakers and President Trump want to offer overtime tax relief. But will a tax deduction or an exemption help you most?
-
Ask the Editor, May 9 — Reader Questions on QCDs
In our latest Ask the Editor round-up, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers questions on qualified charitable distributions (QCDs).
-
Big Tax Deduction Increase Proposed for Those Over Age 65
Tax Deductions A new bipartisan bill and a tax plan from the House GOP could mean bigger retirement tax savings to offset taxes on Social Security and high prices.
-
New HSA Contribution Limits Are Set for 2026: What to Know Now
Health Savings The IRS says Health Savings Account contribution limits will increase again next year due to inflation.