Re: I had moving expenses in 2019 for military PCS (retirement order). I have not yet been reimbursed, but should be. Should I still enter expenses on my 2019 return?

I had moving expenses in 2019 for military PCS (retirement order). I have not yet been reimbursed, but should be. Should I still enter expenses on my 2019 return?

I expect to be reimbursed in 2020, but it has been delayed due to COVID-19, and it will not cover all expenses. I'm not sure how to enter expenses or reimbursements and for what year.

posted

No. do not under any circumstances claim your yet-to-be-reimbursed expenses on your 2019 return. That's because when you "do" get reimbursed, the amount you are reimbursed will "NOT" be included on "ANY" W-2 that you receive.

If you claim the as-of-yet-unreimbursed expenses on your 2019 tax return, then you will be "required" to claim the reimbursed amount as "taxable income" on your 2020 tax return next year. That has the potential to raise your AGI to the next higher tax bracket. So just leave well enough alone.