Can Seniors Deduct Moving Expenses in Florida?

Moving is never easy, especially for seniors. In order to successfully wrap up your relocation, you need to invest a lot of time and energy, which might be difficult. For this reason, it is always better to find the best long distance movers and have professionals organizing the relocation. This would save so much time and energy. However, hiring professional movers is also quite expensive if you are moving to Florida. Even though Florida is one of the best states for seniors, it is not cheap by any means. Therefore, you should see your options. Can seniors deduct moving expenses in Florida? Let’s find out. 

The distance and time tests 

Unfortunately, there is no special case for moving deduction when you are a senior. You can, however, use the distance and time tests if you are working. First of all, you can deduct moving expenses if you meet the distance test. This means the distance from your old house to your new work needs to be at least 50 miles further than the distance from your old house to your old office. As for the time test, you need to work as a full-time employee in your new area for at least 39 weeks during the first year after you move. However, total weeks can be for more than just one employer. It is important to remember that it only applies if you are still working. If you are moving to Florida with the best moving companies in Florida as a retiree, then this is not applicable. 

Moving as a couple to Florida 

You might be moving as a retiree to Florida. As mentioned, in this case, you are not eligible for moving the duction based on time and distance tests. However, if you are married and your partner is still working, you can deduct your moving expenses. Only one of you needs to meet the requirements of the distance and time tests in order to be eligible for moving detection. In addition to this, if you have already hired the best long distance movers in Miami but lost your job in the process, you still may qualify for an exception to these rules. On the other hand, if you are in the armed forces, you are eligible for a moving deduction. This means that your move should be a permanent change in your station, a move between one year after you retire or leave your active duty. 

What can you deduct from your moving costs? 

If you are eligible for the moving deduction mentioned above, you should also know what you can deduct from your moving expenses. It is important to organize your long distance relocation to Jacksonville properly. If you want to hire reliable long distance movers in Jacksonville, you should also know what you can expect during your relocation. For this reason, moving deduction usually includes the following. 

• Most moving company services 
• Moving trucks 
• Gas and oil for your car 
• Some packing supplies 
• Moving help 
• Moving insurance 
• Storage for up to 30 days 
• Travel expenses 

If you decide to organize a relocation on your own, you must rent a moving truck or a moving pod. You can deduct this from your moving expenses. As for some packing supplies, it usually includes cardboard boxes, bubble wrapping, etc. 

What can you not deduct when you are moving? 

You cannot deduct certain things even if you pass the distance and time tests. First of all, you cannot deduct the cost of food during your relocation. Then, you cannot deduct the expenses of buying or renting your house at your new location. The same applies to the expenses of breaking your lease or selling your house. In addition, you cannot deduct house hunting costs when you have to travel to your new city before your location. If you want to deduct the travel cost, it could only be for one trip. Furthermore, you can also deduct the cost of accommodations at your old place for only one day if your new place is not ready and you have already moved your furniture. Lastly, if you are still working, you can deduct expenses for which your company reimbursed you.  

Can seniors deduct moving expenses in Florida, and which one? 

As mentioned, there are no specific senior moving expenses you can deduct. However, there are senior expenses you can deduct that are not related to your moving directly. 

• Standard Deduction includes mortgage interest, charities, medical expenses, and real estate taxes. Additionally, if you are older than 65, you are eligible for a higher standard deduction. This is also possible if your partner is older than 65.  
• Medical and Dental Expenses – this one is for all the large medical expenses if you are retired.  
• Charitable Contributions – you can deduct up to $300 if you give back to your community. If you are married, this number goes up to $600. 
• Selling Houses – if you lived in your old house for at least 2 out of five years, you can make a lot of money on the sale.  
• Retirement Plan Contributions – contribution limits for IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k)s. 

Seniors moving to Florida 

Florida is one of the best states for seniors because of the great weather, beautiful beaches, and no income tax. When you are moving here, you should prepare for your relocation properly. However, can seniors deduct moving expenses in Florida? As a senior, you can deduct some moving expenses if you are still working, selling your house, or if you are a part of the military at some point. You can check with your local government office or movers if you can deduct moving expenses. Just in case, you should save enough money so you can have enough to organize your relocation to Florida. Usually, you would need between $4000 and $6000 for a long-distance relocation.