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A job-related move? You can deduct the costs

A move is expensive, but if it is job-related, the tax office chips in. Then you can deduct the moving costs as income-related expenses, often even without any receipt via a lump sum.

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For a job-related move, the costs are deductible as income-related expenses (§ 9 EStG): transport/removal costs, double rent payments during the transition period, any broker fees for the new rented apartment, and, for other expenses, a moving-cost lump sum without individual proof.
A move is job-related, for example, when you change jobs or when your commute is shortened considerably (rule of thumb: around one hour less travel time per day).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the job-related cause

    A job change or a significant reduction in travel time? Then the move is favored.

  2. 2

    2. Collect receipts

    Document removal, double rent, broker costs for the new rented apartment.

  3. 3

    3. Use the lump sum

    For other moving expenses, claim the moving-cost lump sum (without individual proof).

  4. 4

    4. Enter it in your tax return

    Enter the costs as income-related expenses (Anlage N).

Frequently asked questions

When can I deduct moving costs from taxes?

When the move is job-related, for example with a job change or a considerable reduction of the commute (rule of thumb: around one hour less travel time per day). Then the moving costs are income-related expenses. For a purely private move, a deduction is generally not possible (at most as a household-related service).

What can I deduct for a job-related move?

Transport or removal costs, double rent payments during the transition period, and broker fees for the new rented apartment. For other expenses (e.g. re-registrations, tips) there is a moving-cost lump sum that you can claim without individual proof. Enter everything as income-related expenses in Anlage N.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.