We all move at some point. Some more than others. If you move more at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your previous job location, then moving costs can be deductible. There is also a time test, you must work at your new job at least 39 weeks in the first year. If you are self employed, you must work full time for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first two years at your new job site.
What you can deduct:
1. TRAVEL: This includes transportation and lodging expense for yourself and household members.
Do not include meal costs.
2. SHIPPING: This includes cost of packing, crating and shipping your things. You can also include
storage of your goods while in transit or temporary living.
3. REIMBURSED EXPENSES: If your employer reimburses you for the moving costs, then none are
deductible, unless they are included in your W-2 and you pay tax on this reimbursement.
If you deduct expenses and employer later reimburses you, then this money is included in
your income in the year received.
4. NONDEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES: No deduction is allowed for the purchase price of new home, selling
costs of old home or getting into a new lease or costs to break a lease.
Be sure to update your new address with the IRS and Franchise Tax Board using form 8822.
For more information on moving expenses, see Publication 521 on the site www.irs.gov.