The Key Factor in Claiming a Tax Break for Moving
If you’re relocating to take a new job, your moving expenses may be deductible.

I’m about to move to Chicago to start a new job. Will any of my moving expenses be tax-deductible?
Take Our Quiz: Is It Tax Deductible?
It depends on how far you’re moving. You can deduct moving expenses if your new job is at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job was. If it’s your first job, the job must be at least 50 miles from your current home. You can’t deduct any part of the expenses that will be reimbursed by your employer.
You can deduct the cost of hiring movers (both for packing and for transporting your possessions) or the cost of renting a moving van. You can also deduct the cost of travel for yourself and the members of your household from your old home to your new home (including the cost of lodging, but not meals). If you drive, you can write off 23 cents per mile in 2015. You can also deduct the cost of storing your possessions for up to 30 days between moving and delivery.

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.
You don’t need to itemize to take the deduction. Submit Form 3903 when you file your taxes next spring. For more information, see IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses. Save your receipts or credit card statements and a mileage log (if you’re deducting mileage) in your tax files.
For more information about moving, see Save Money on Moving.
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.
-
The AI Doctor Coming to Read Your Test Results
The Kiplinger Letter There’s big opportunity for AI tools that analyze CAT scans, MRIs and other medical images. But there are also big challenges that human clinicians and tech companies will have to overcome.
By John Miley Published
-
The Best Places for LGBTQ People to Retire Abroad
LGBTQ people can safely retire abroad, but they must know a country’s laws and level of support — going beyond the usual retirement considerations.
By Drew Limsky Published
-
Did Florida’s Chance at $1,000 in Property Tax Rebates Vanish?
State Taxes The Florida Legislature bypassed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ wish to cut property taxes and instead voted to lower the state’s sales tax.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
How Caregivers for Adults Can Save on Taxes in 2025
Tax Breaks Caring for your parent or spouse can be stressful, but the IRS offers tax breaks for qualifying taxpayers. Here they are.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
New South Carolina Income Tax Cut Might Eat Your Cash
State Taxes South Carolina’s flat income tax bill could have the majority of residents paying higher income taxes. Find out how.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Tax-Deductible Home Improvements for Retirement in 2025
Retirement Taxes Your aging-in-place plan could benefit from the medical expense tax deduction. But watch out for capital gains and property taxes.
By Kate Schubel 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
-
Key Family Tax Breaks Are on the GOP Chopping Block This Year
Tax Credits Several tax breaks, including the Child Tax Credit, may face reforms or be cut entirely as lawmakers seek revenue for Trump’s tax plans.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
What's Going on With New Jersey Property Tax Programs?
Property Tax ANCHOR and ‘Senior Freeze’ just got a refresh, and there’s a new program: Stay NJ. Learn how to save on New Jersey property taxes.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Five States With the Largest EITC Checks
EITC Households in these states received a larger Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) last year.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published