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.
-
Why Toll Brothers Stock Is Falling After Earnings
Toll Brothers stock is lower Wednesday after the homebuilder missed expectations for its first quarter. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Why Bumble Stock Is Spiraling After Earnings
Bumble stock is sinking Wednesday as the online dating platform's weak guidance offsets a revenue beat. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Legislation Cracking Down on IRS Tax Refund Mail Theft Advances
IRS A string of bipartisan measures targeting taxpayer refunds, rights, and protections move forward on Capitol Hill.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Ten IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees in 2025
Retirement Taxes Retirees who think they can escape the IRS audit machine should think again.
By Joy Taylor Published
-
New Colorado Tax Credit: What’s the Scoop?
State Tax Everything you need to know about the Colorado family affordability tax credit in 2025.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Could ERC Delays Get Worse if Trump Downsizes the IRS?
IRS The Trump administration’s push to shave down the IRS can impact taxpayers like you.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule 2025: When Will Your Refund Arrive?
Tax Refunds Your 2025 IRS tax refund may arrive sooner than you think. Here’s a schedule for when you can expect your check or direct deposit.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
IRS Tax Refunds Are $526 Bigger This Year: Here's Why
Tax Refunds Inflation-related changes to the tax code could result in a larger refund.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Ten IRS Audit Red Flags for Self-Employed Individuals
IRS Audits Taxpayers who file Schedule C with their Form 1040 have a greater chance of an IRS audit.
By Joy Taylor Published
-
Trump Wants You Out of the IRS, But You'll Have to Wait Until May
IRS Some IRS employees won’t be able to resign using the buyout offer until the end of tax season.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published