{"id":550,"date":"2023-10-20T16:33:33","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T16:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ssdcmoving.local\/?p=550"},"modified":"2025-04-22T18:56:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T18:56:14","slug":"taxes-and-moving-expenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selfstorage.com\/blog\/taxes-and-moving-expenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Moving Expenses Tax Deductible?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re moving to a new home for a job, family reasons, or simply for a change of scenery, the costs associated with relocating can quickly add up. In the course of planning your move, you may be asking yourself: Are moving expenses tax deductible?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this comprehensive guide, we\u2019ll explore everything you need to know about moving expenses and tax deductions, who can claim these deductions, what qualifies as a deductible expense, and how to claim them on your Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are moving expenses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMoving expenses<\/a>\u201d are one hidden cost of owning a home<\/a>. The term refers to the costs associated with relocating your home or workplace,<\/strong> including packing and transportation of household goods, travel expenses (rental truck, mileage or gas costs), insurance, and temporary storage. Moving expenses can also cover short-term lodging, such as staying in a hotel for a night. These expenses are usually worth tracking for an employer who might cover the cost of a move, but it\u2019s also worth asking \u201cCan I deduct moving expenses on my tax return?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are moving expenses tax deductible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the short answer is moving expenses are only tax deductible for active-duty members of the military.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of people who used to benefit from deducting moving expenses shrunk considerably with the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This law introduced significant changes to the tax code, eliminating deductions for moving expenses for most taxpayers between 2018 and 2025, except for certain members of the Armed Forces and their families. Prior to 2018, many people who moved for work would qualify for a relocation tax deduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Active-duty members of the military still need to meet certain criteria to qualify for moving expense deductions. It\u2019s important to consult the IRS guidelines or talk with a tax professional to ensure you\u2019re compliant, but let\u2019s quickly go over some of the requirements to qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I qualify for a deduction as an active-duty military member?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

IRS Form 3903 says \u201cyou can deduct moving expenses only if you are a Member of the Armed Forces on active duty<\/strong> and, due to a military order, you, your spouse, or your dependents move because of a permanent change of station.<\/strong>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IRS allows members of the armed forces to deduct certain moving expenses, even if they don\u2019t meet the usual distance and time tests. This exception recognizes the frequent relocations that military service often requires. However, you must still meet certain criteria for this deduction, so ask yourself these questions to see if you qualify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n