Writing Off Moving Expenses on Your Taxes: Rules and Regulations

Do you want to know how to write off moving expenses on your taxes? Many people are trying to find ways to save more money and writing off moving expenses is one way. With the recent changes in tax law, there has been confusion about what qualifies for a deductible expense. This blog post will help clear up any questions you have and give you some tips on how to make sure that the IRS doesn’t catch your deductions as fraudulent.

Unfortunately, Moving Expenses Are Not Tax Deductible For Most People

Moving expenses are not tax deductible for most people. There is an exception, however: if you work in the military and your move was due to a permanent change of station (PCS) order or deployment orders; then those moving costs can be deducted from taxes as well!  The rules about what constitutes “reasonable” deductions vary by state and locality.

Why are Moving Expenses No Longer Deductible?

Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed in 2017 by President Trump, most people can no longer deduct moving expenses on their federal taxes. This aspect of the tax code is pretty straightforward: If you moved in 2020 and you are not an active-duty military member, your moving expenses aren’t deductible.

The TCJA also suspended the deduction for unreimbursed employee expenses, which includes moving costs that are not reimbursable by an employer or other third party (such as a government agency).

The suspension of this provision is temporary, so it may return for tax years beginning after January 2021 depending on when Congress decides whether they want these provisions back and if President Biden signs off (which he may not).  If you would like to see these deductions return, you can contact your congressional representatives and let them know.

Can you deduct the cost of new furniture when moving?

No.  The TCJA suspended the deduction for unreimbursed employee expenses, which includes moving costs that are not reimbursable by an employer or other third party (such as a government agency).   If you would like to see these deductions return and have your furniture deducted on taxes again in 2020-2021 tax years then contact your government representatives.

Can you write off moving expenses 2020?

Only if Congress decides to reinstate the moving expense deduction.  If you would like these deductions back and have your furniture deducted on taxes again in 2020-2021 tax years then contact congressional representatives of both parties (Republican or Democrat) who represent where you live now.

Are moving expenses likely to return to being tax deductible in 2021?

It is possible but not likely.  If you would like these deductions back and have your furniture deducted on taxes again in 2021-2022 tax years then contact congressional representatives of both parties (Republican or Democrat) to let them know how important these issues are for their constituency, as well the importance it has nationally for the mobility of our citizens.

Which states allow moving expense deduction?

The following states allow moving expense deductions:  Alaska, Florida and Nevada. The District of Columbia also allows for this deduction but it is unclear if the federal government will recognize these expenses as a tax write-off in 2020 or 2021 due to recent changes made by Congress on December 18th 2018 that eliminated many other types from being deductible.

How to deduct charitable donations?

It’s common to donate valuable items to charity before a big move. This is a great way to reduce the amount of items you have that need packing and transporting. The IRS has strict rules about what can be deducted as charitable donations, so it’s important for taxpayers who are considering this option before their move to do their research.

A good rule of thumb is to make sure you donate only those things in good condition that would sell at fair market value and deduct the value from your taxes.

No matter what, Treasure Moving Company recommends you consult your tax professional for details on how to deduct at tax time.

Are you looking for a residential moving company?

Call Treasure Moving Company at 855-715-6683 or fill out our form online for a free moving quote.

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What Our Clients Say

Barbara McCall
Barbara McCall
2023-11-27
I wish I had more time to tell you just how wonderful Fedor and his Treasures crew were with my recent move. I just started a new job in a new state. I had trouble with towing my car with my moving truck. I had to concentrate on that problem when Treasures was taking my items from moving truck to new apartment. They got everything done nicely and affordably. They were my “knights (movers) in shining armor “! The most dependable and capable moving group I’ve ever had! Update: Nov 2023: I used Treasure Moving again, and they did a great job again! I had them put some boxes and tubs of items in my new storage room. Melvin and Moises did a quick and efficient moving of items from apartment to storage. They organized my boxes in storage to where I’ll be able to walk in the room and get to any box, They were fantastic! I’ll use Treasure again and again!
Shradha Mani
Shradha Mani
2023-11-22
This was the smoothest moving experience we had ! Highly recommend. We moved from Arlington VA to Clarksburg MD. Marlon and Carlos were on time, packed everything carefully, moved everything to our new place in just a few hours! Here's the kicker, the freight elevator in our building could not be reserved due to construction. But they moved everything anyway! If the elevator was available, we are sure these guys would have completed the task in under an hour. They are super considerate, kind and efficient. Could not recommend them more. Treasure moving company is a treasure and Marlon and Carlos were excellent !
Lynda Nguyen
Lynda Nguyen
2023-11-15
Had a great experience with Treasure Moving! They made a very stressful move go as smoothly as possible. Was very appreciative of their level of professionalism. Would use again!
Yi Fong Cheng
Yi Fong Cheng
2023-11-15
Marlon and Melvin are the best! They were so fast and took good care of my stuff, and very friendly. I had a great experience. If you are looking for moves, I definitely recommend these 2 gentlemen to everyone. Very efficient and nice!
Alexander Herrera (Alex)
Alexander Herrera (Alex)
2023-11-14
I used many movers in Baltimore (>4. I lost count). I used Treasure once and I was so impressed with their fair pricing, careful handling, speed, and professionalism at the time. They provided the best moving experience that I remember in this City. So, I moved again today and used their services to pack my pod. I had Marlon and Carlos who were spectacular. The woman reserving my move was available nearly daily to answer questions and was super attentive leading to the move. I was not disappointed. I highly recommend them for your next move, whether you a need hand with a pod or request full service moves. After talking to the workers, I learned that they have >15 years of experience in the moving industry. *Be careful when you looking for moving companies here. Some of them are not professional movers. I had a mover cause major damage… that they had to return to make repairs (Charm City Movers). Another left the job within 30 minutes of the move and left my all my items/boxes on the side walk! More than likely, Treasure will do a good job!
Scott Archer
Scott Archer
2023-11-09
Treasure Moving is great! Awesome small business that keeps it real and stays on top of it, highly recommend!!
Art Grau
Art Grau
2023-11-08
Dennys and Rony did a great job moving 3 large display cabinets and many heavy boxes from Taneytown back to Columbia. They wasted no time and took care of everything like they were their own, and fees were much less than expected. Treasure Moving should be proud to have both of them as representatives. Kudos to a great team!!!
Oleksandr Turuk
Oleksandr Turuk
2023-11-03
The crew was courteous, careful and cheerful. Prices were reasonable as well. Definitely recommend!
Tom
Tom
2023-11-03
Dennis and Rony arrived just before they were scheduled, wrapped and moved the requested furniture, moved it, and set it up at the destination, quickly and politely, all for a very reasonable price.
Meredith Marcum
Meredith Marcum
2023-11-01
Dan and Melvin were amazing. They were fast, efficient, and packed everything up really well. I will definitely be using them again in the future!