Tax Deductible Moving Expenses – What You Need to Know in 2025

Moving can already feel overwhelming, and taxes only add another layer of confusion. If you’re wondering whether you can deduct your moving expenses, the answer depends on who you are and why you’re moving. Starting with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, tax-deductible moving expenses are limited to one group: active-duty military members with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

At Firehouse Movers, we’ve served families across North Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area for more than 20 years. We understand how PCS moves require detailed planning, and we provide the kind of documentation and support that makes preparing your return easier. For example, we’ve helped PCS families move from Frisco to Fort Hood with itemized records for their files.

Are Moving Expenses Tax Deductible in 2025?

One of the most common questions we hear is, ‘is moving tax deductible?’ For most civilians, the answer is no under current law.. Civilian taxpayers can no longer claim moving costs on their federal return, even if they relocate for a new job. These deductions were suspended under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and remain unavailable through at least tax year 2025. 

Only active-duty military members with PCS orders may qualify for tax-deductible moving expenses under current IRS rules. If you move because of official PCS orders, you may still qualify for a moving expenses tax deduction. These deductions are only available if you pay out-of-pocket for eligible expenses that the government did not reimburse.

What Moving Costs Can You Deduct?

If you qualify, the IRS allows certain expenses to be deducted from your federal tax return. These typically include:

• Rental of moving trucks or trailers
• Professional mover fees
• Fuel, tolls, and parking fees
• Lodging while traveling to your new duty station (not meals)
• Storage costs for up to 30 days
• Insurance coverage on items in transit

These items count as direct moving expenses that are tax-deductible under PCS rules. Keeping receipts and records is essential for claiming them.

What Moving Costs Are Not Deductible?

Not every cost related to a move will qualify, even under PCS rules. Here are examples of expenses you cannot claim:

• Meals during your move
• Fees from buying or selling a home, such as mortgage costs or closing fees
• Lease-breaking penalties
• Home upgrades or repairs made to sell your house
• DMV fees, license costs, or car tags

Knowing what does and doesn’t qualify helps avoid errors when filing your moving cost tax deduction.

How to Claim Moving Expense Tax Deductions

Keeping organized records is the key to making the most of your tax-deductible moving expenses when filing your return. If you qualify, follow these steps to claim your deduction:

1. Keep copies of your PCS orders and all receipts.
2. Complete IRS Form 3903 to calculate deductible costs.
3. Attach the completed form to your IRS Form 1040 federal tax return.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general purposes only and does not replace professional tax advice. Always consult a qualified tax preparer or CPA when filing your taxes.

FAQs About Moving and Tax Deductions

Q: Are moving expenses tax-deductible for civilians?

A: No. For most taxpayers, moving expenses are no longer deductible under the 2017 tax law changes. Only active-duty military with PCS orders may qualify.

Q: What form do I use to claim moving expenses?

A: Eligible military members must file IRS Form 3903 with their federal tax return. This form is used to calculate deductions.

Q: What if my employer reimburses my move?

A: Reimbursed expenses cannot be deducted. If reimbursement exceeds the actual cost, the excess must be reported as taxable income.

How Firehouse Movers Supports Military and DFW Relocations

As trusted movers in Dallas-Fort Worth, Firehouse Movers has helped countless families and military members relocate with detailed documentation for tax purposes. For families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, PCS moves often involve tight schedules and thorough documentation. That’s where Firehouse Movers comes in. We are fully licensed, insured, and firefighter-owned, with crews trained to support military families.

Our full range of DFW moving services includes packing, transport, and storage solutions that support military families during PCS moves. Our PCS-specific support includes flexible scheduling to align with PCS timelines, itemized invoices that simplify tax preparation, and an understanding of base moving protocols in North Texas.

Whether you’re relocating within Texas or across the state under PCS orders, we provide professional moving services backed by more than two decades of experience.

Plan Your Next Move With Confidence

Even though moving expenses tax deduction eligibility is limited, working with a reliable moving partner makes the process smoother. Choosing experienced professionals ensures your relocation is efficient, organized, and properly documented for any tax-related needs.

If tax-deductible moving expenses don’t apply to you, choosing Firehouse Movers will ensure your relocation is efficient and fully supported. Call us today at (972) 412-6033 for a free quote. From DFW to military bases across Texas, our team is ready to help with every step of your PCS move.