(2021) Which relocation expenses can you deduct?

Whether you acquire a second home at your workplace or move with your family, if your relocation is for professional reasons, the associated costs are deductible as work-related expenses. You do not need to change jobs or cities; it is sufficient if your daily commute is reduced by a total of one hour due to the move.

You can deduct proven costs for property searches, moving companies, cosmetic repairs, and possibly double rent payments until the end of the notice period for your old home. For moving trips with your own car, you can claim the kilometres travelled at a rate of 30 cents/km.

For smaller expenses such as tips for removal helpers or the installation of a fitted kitchen, there is a relocation allowance. You can claim this in any case – even if you managed the entire move on your own. This is not possible for second household maintenance.

The Federal Ministry of Finance has recently increased the relocation allowances for work-related moves on 01.03.2020 and again on 01.04.2021 (BMF letter dated 21.07.2021, IV C 5 - S 2353/20/10004).

From 01.06.2020, the relocation allowances are calculated slightly differently than before:

The day before the removal goods are loaded is decisive for determining the allowances.

If tutoring is necessary for children due to the move, you can also deduct these costs from your taxes.