I moved from Colorado to North Carolina with my daughter and her family so I could continue to receive her care. Can I claim the move for health reasons?

[JulieH1 · Accepted solution]

The only specific reason the IRS allows moving expenses to be claimed is when you move for employment.

As far as whether you could claim it any other way, possibly medical (see below) but it risky.

In brief, the IRS Pub 502 (medical expenses) does not specifically address relocation as a qualified or non qualified medical expense. Since it does not list relocation as a qualified medical expense, I would say that no, the moving expenses are not a qualified medical expense. Pub 502 does specifically address trips. SEE BELOW:

You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for transportation to another city if the trip is primarily for, and essential to, receiving medical services. You may be able to include up to $50 per night for lodging. 

You cannot include in medical expenses a trip or vacation taken merely for a change in environment, improvement of morale, or general improvement of health, even if the trip is made on the advice of a doctor.