Clarification on Time test requirements for IRS Moving Expense Deductions

[unknown2]

Hello,

I started a new job in October that required me to relocate from IL to CA.
Here is written that I must work for a minimum of 39 weeks, but I just started in October:

https://turbotax.intuit.acom/tax-tips/jobs-and-career/irs-moving-expense-deductions/L5podfG5Iv

Do I still meet the time requirements to qualify for reimbursement of my flight tickets if I know that (hopefully) I will work more than 39 weeks?

If yes, I flew with my wife 2 times, the first to search for an house to rent, the second to actually move. Can I include the flight tickets of both flight? Both for me and my wife?

[JulieCo · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can qualify to meet the time test.  See notes from IRS Publication 521 below:

Time Test Not Yet Met

You can deduct your moving expenses on your 2017 tax return even though you haven't met the time test by the date your 2017 return is due. You can do this if you expect to meet the 39-week test in 2018.

However, for the airfare travel -- you can only deduct expenses for one trip per person for the actual move. So travel to look for housing is not deductible moving expense.   See the IRS link below for more information:

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p521#en_US_2017_publink1000203495

[unknown2]

Do you know if the refund is 100% of the moving expenses? Suppose I spent $200 in plane tickets, will I get $200 back?