Will I pay taxes on relocation expenses directly paid my new employer to a moving company?

[jwleeser]

My husband started his new job on 8/1/17. We have not yet moved. (The new job is over 310 miles from our current home.) If his new employer directly pays the moving company, do we pay taxes on what the employer paid the moving company? Is there any difference if we move within 365 days of his start date or if we don't relocate until outside of a 365 day window?

[KittyM]

You are not required to pay taxes on the amount if your employer directly pays your moving expenses.  However, you might still be required to file a Form 3903 for moving expenses, depending on how the amount is reported on your W-2.  

In most cases, you can consider moving expenses incurred within 1 year from the date you first reported to work at the new location as closely related in time to the start of work.  After a year, you will no longer meet the time test for moving expenses.