3.4- Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed forces

If you're a member of the Armed Forces on active duty, you may be eligible to deduct moving expenses if your move was due to a military order and permanent change of station. You may be able to deduct your unreimbursed moving expenses for you, your spouse and dependents.

Permanent change of station – This includes a move from your home to your first post of active duty, a move from one permanent post of duty to another, and a move from your last post of duty to your home or to a nearer point in the United States. A move from the last post of duty must occur within 1 year of ending your active duty or within the period allowed under the Joint Travel Regulations. The expenses of a member’s spouse or dependent due to permanent change of station may also be eligible; refer to Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide.

Deductible Moving Expenses - You can deduct expenses that are reasonable for the circumstances of your move. Your eligible moving expenses include household goods, personal effects, storage and traveling expenses (including lodging) to your new home. You can’t deduct any expenses for meals.

Reporting Moving Expenses

Figure moving expenses on Form 3903, Moving Expenses and deduct as an adjustment to income on Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors (attach Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Additional Income and Adjustments to IncomePDF). However, Form 3903 is not required, if you moved to a location outside the U.S. in an earlier year, are claiming only storage fees while you were away from the U.S. and any amount the government paid for the storage fees is included in box 1 of your Form W-2. Report the qualified storage fees directly on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 14, and enter “Storage” on the dotted line next to the amount.

You can't deduct any moving expenses covered by reimbursements from the government (or paid for directly by the government) that are excluded from your income.

Additional Information

For more information, refer to Publication 3, Armed Forces Tax Guide and Can I Deduct My Moving Expenses?