What moving expenses can’t I deduct?

There are a variety of things which you cannot deduct as moving expenses, even if you meet the distance test and the time test (although some of these things may be deductible elsewhere, if you are itemizing your deductions). The things you cannot deduct include the following:

1. You can’t deduct the cost for any meals you ate while traveling from your old home to your new home.

2. You can’t deduct the cost of travel for any maids, nurses, chauffeurs, etc.

3. You can’t deduct the costs involved in changing your car’s registration and/or your driver’s license.

4. You can’t deduct the costs of transporting any furniture that you purchase while making the move.

5. You can’t deduct the costs of trying to find a new house.

6. You can’t deduct the costs related to selling your old home and buying or renting your new home, including any lease or mortgage penalties.

7. You can’t deduct any costs associated with home improvements you made to help sell your hold home.

8. You can’t deduct any costs associated with getting or breaking a lease.

9. You can’t deduct the costs for any security deposits you made or lost.

10. You can’t deduct any loss you took on the sale of your old home.

11. You can’t deduct any real estate taxes.

12. You can’t deduct any costs for refitting your carpets or draperies.