How Can I Deduct the Cost of Moving on My Federal Income Taxes?

Moving has to be one of the most annoying tasks onyour new job is more than 101 miles away, you can
the planet. And God forbid you've been asked by atake the deduction.
friend to help them move. Talk about a thankless job.You also must actually work in the area you move to
The days of walking off the street and landing a job atfor at least 39 weeks of the year you get there. You
one of the Big 3 Auto companies and working untildo not have to work at the same job or for the same
retirement is long gone. People find themselves movingcompany the entire time.
numerous times to new places to take newIf you're self-employed, the moving test is tougher.
employment positions.Although the distance required to have moved is the
So if we have to move, can we at least get paid for itsame, you must work in the new area for 78 weeks
or deduct it off our income taxes?out of the two years immediately following your move.
You may be able to deduct your moving expenses onAnd you must live there for two years to get the
your tax return, but there is a specific rule you mustdeduction.
adhere to for qualification.If your employer reimbursed you for whatever
A moving expense deduction can be claimed if theexpenses you incurred, you can't turn around and claim
distance from your old home to your new place ofthose expenses at tax time.
employment is more than 50 miles than the distanceYes moving is inevitable and an annoyance, but for
from your old home to your old place of employment.some, at least it can be written off your taxes.
A better way of explaining that last paragraph is if