I moved in 2017. My job is not reimbursing until early 2018. So the reimbursement will not be on my 2017 w2. Can I still file for moving expense deductions in 2017?

[Anonymous]

I'd like to be able to file the moving expense deduction in 2017 as keeping track of all the receipts until next year would be quite a hassle (doable though).

Is it possible for me to file the deduction in 2017 without the reimbursement showing up on my w2 or is it advised to wait until 2018 tax season when it is on my w2?

edit: And to my understanding, in 2018 Moving Expenses are no longer deductible...so recommendations based on that?

thanks

[Anita01 · Accepted solution]

The SuperUser commenting here is absolutely correct.  The 2018 information I read was so convoluted I missed the wording that said the suspension applied only to active duty military.  I'll be changing my original answer, and I am sorry about it.

The correct answer is that the previously nontaxable reporting of moving expense reimbursement will change to being taxable reimbursements regardless of the nature of the expense, and the moving expenses will no longer be deductible for non-active duty military.

For you, since the reimbursement will be taxable next year, you could only benefit from the deduction of moving expenses by taking them in 2017.  In 2018, when the reimbursement is reported, the fact that the company grossed up some expenses will only mean that the net impact on your tax owed or refund will be less than would otherwise be the case.

Thanks you re2boys.

[Anita01]

You can only deduct moving expenses in 2017. You will have to pay tax on the reimbursement income in 2018. As long as you are aware of paying tax on the income in 2018, there is no reason you should not do what you want.  

The reimbursement will be taxable to you in 2018 and you will not be able to deduct moving expenses in 2018, unless you are active duty military.

[re2boys]

"In terms of 2018, you will still be able to deduct moving expenses because the provision to make them nondeductible has been suspended."

@TurboTaxAnita   Citation please?  It is my understanding that moving expenses deduction, other than for members of the Armed Forced, is no longer allowed for 2018.

[Anonymous]

@TurboTaxAnita

One more quick note about my situation.

So my employer is tax assisting the reimbursement for items that are taxable (aka misc expenses). But they classify things like the moving company, food, hotels and so on as non taxable and only reimburse the cost.

So would this above change your original answer at all?

[Anonymous]

Thanks @re2boys