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Returning Member
posted Jul 28, 2021 10:08:37 AM

moving expense

I am required to move by medical necessity order by my doctor. What, if any moving expense, can be treated as a medical expense 

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jul 28, 2021 10:16:25 AM

Hi! 

Unfortunately, you won't be able to deduct any moving expenses due to moving because of medical reasons. I have included a link for you that explains the moving expenses deduction and why you can't deduct those expenses. 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/jobs-and-career/guide-to-irs-form-3903-moving-expenses/L6CwmGm3K

Thank you,

Lisa , EA 

Employee Tax Expert
Jul 28, 2021 4:52:39 PM

Publication 502 details what are deductible as medical expenses. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

 

Moving expenses are not listed in this publication as a medical expense. 

 

I also did a brief search and was unable to find any tax court cases or PLRs that suggest the IRS has ever allowed a medical deduction for moving expenses. So I think they would be nondeductible per the general exclusion of moving expenses for anyone besides active duty military. 

 

Of note, a medical reason to move could be a reason to qualify for a partial exclusion of capital gain on a home you haven't lived in for two years. See Publication 523 on partial exclusion. But that is a different question than yours.