How can I recover moving expenses that employer paid for in 2017 and I am now leaving the company in 2018 and have to pay back all the moving expenses?

[stacey-greenstre]

My company paid for my move in  2017.  I got temporary housing, a lump sum and a moving company moved my stuff.  I didn't stay the required 18 months and now I have to pay the company back $24,000 by the end of 2018.  Do I get to claim anything on my 2018 tax return or can I adjust anything on the 2017 tax return?

[DianeW · Accepted solution]

You can use any part of the repayment that was originally taxable to you as a "claim of right" if the repayment amount is over $3,000 in one year. This will be a direct reduction to your income dollar for dollar in 2018.  You cannot adjust anything on your 2017 return and this advice assumes the employer has included the taxable portion of your moving expenses in your wages on your W2 for 2017.