Moving not only costs time, but also money – but many people don’t know that Deduct moving costs from your taxesWhether for professional or private reasons: In many cases you can reclaim part of the moving costs from the tax officeBut which costs are deductible, and what do you need to consider? Here you will find the most important information about tax advantages when moving.
1. When can a move be deducted from taxes?
📌 1. Moving for professional reasons (advertising expenses)
✅ If the move is necessary to to start a new job or to significantly shorten the commute
✅ If the employer is relocated or the workplace is relocated
✅ If a move is necessary to get a to avoid double household
🏠 2. Moving for personal reasons (Household services)
✅ If you are moving within your city or region, without professional reasons, certain Services as household-related services be discontinued
✅ These include Invoice costs for moving companies, furniture assembly or renovation work
📋 3. Moving for health reasons
✅ If a move is necessary because the previous apartment is no longer acceptable for health reasons (e.g. accessibility)
✅ If a doctor recommends issues a certificate
💡 Tip: Professional relocations are more generously taxed as private moves – check carefully which category your move falls under.
2. Which moving costs are tax deductible?
📦 1. Deductible costs for professional relocation (business expenses)
✅ Brokerage fees for the new apartment
✅ Double rent payments during the transition period
✅ Transport costs for furniture & boxes
✅ Travel costs for apartment viewings & moving trips
✅ Costs for re-registration & new documents
✅ Renovation costs for the old apartment (if required by the rental agreement)
👷♂️ 2. Deductible costs for private relocation (household services)
✅ Costs for a moving company (20% of labor costs deductible)
✅ Assembly of furniture, lamps & household appliances
✅ Cleaning the old apartment (if commissioned)
✅ Craftsmen's costs for renovations in the new apartment
💰 3. Costs that are not deductible
❌ Deposit for the new apartment
❌ New furniture or furnishings
❌ Moving work carried out by yourself (only services with an invoice count)
💡 Tip: Keep all invoices and proof of payment safe! Cash payments are not accepted by the tax office.
3. How do you deduct moving costs in your tax return?
📄 1. Enter business expenses for professional relocations
✅ In the Enter tax return under “business expenses” (Annex N)
✅ If reimbursed by the employer: Only state the amount not covered
🏠 2. Use household services for private moves
✅ In the Enter tax return under “Household-related services” (Annex Household-related expenses)
✅ 20% of labor costs (maximum €4,000 per year) can be deducted
💡 Tip: If the move due to a transfer or health reasons was carried out, a Justification or certificate must be enclosed.
4. What are the deadlines for filing tax returns?
📌 1. When do the moving costs have to be submitted?
✅ Moving costs must in the year after the move in the tax return be registered
✅ If deadlines have been missed: A Correction is possible up to four years later
📋 2. What evidence does the tax office require?
✅ All invoices & proof of payment (no cash payments)
✅ If moving for work reasons: Employment contract or proof of transfer
✅ If moving for health reasons: Medical certificate or proof of accessibility
💡 Tip: If you are unsure, a Tax advisors help to make the most of all possible deductions.
5. Avoid common mistakes when making tax deductions
❌ Do not submit any invoices or receipts → Solution: Keep all receipts and do not make any cash payments
❌ Double declaration of costs (e.g. employer pays & still deducts) → Solution: Only submit self-borne costs
❌ Do not use all possible deductions → Solution: Also enter small costs such as travel expenses and change of address
❌ Missing the deadline for filing your tax return → Solution: Submit your tax return on time or apply for an extension
💡 Tip: If the move takes place in December, it may make sense to postpone it to the next tax year in order to receive better deductions.
6. Checklist: How to deduct your move for tax purposes
📌 Before the move:
✅ Check whether the move is due to professional, private or health reasons
✅ List all potential deductible costs
✅ If necessary: Ask your employer for a certificate
📌 During the move:
✅ Collect all invoices & receipts
✅ If renovations are necessary: Secure evidence of rental agreements or tradesmen’s invoices
📌 After the move:
✅ Enter moving costs in your tax return (business expenses or household services)
✅ If you have any questions: Contact your tax advisor or tax office
✅ Submit your tax return on time
💡 Tip: If you have spent a lot of money on the move, a Individual tax advice is worthwhile.
Conclusion: How can you deduct moving costs from your taxes?
✔ Work-related relocations can be claimed as business expenses
✔ Private moves can be partially deducted as household-related services
✔ Renovation work and moving services are tax deductible – but new furniture is not
✔ Keep all invoices and receipts – cash payments are not accepted
✔ The tax return must be submitted in the following year – subsequent corrections are possible
🚛 Are you planning a move and want to benefit from tax benefits? Praktik Transport offers professional moving services with tax-deductible invoices! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏠✨
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