All,
When I "retired' from the Air Force earlier this year, I moved cross-country from California to Florida. The AF picked up the tab on some things but not others. I've scoured through the IRS website and think I have most of my questions answered but I wanted to get the board's opinion on what is/what is not deductable. Here's a quick rundown:
- One-way flight (along with tips/fees): $0 (paid directly by AF)
- Shipment of household goods: $0 (paid directly by AF)
- On-base lodging in CA for 12 days: $468 ($39 a night/out of pocket)
- Shipment of vehicle: $1107.77 (out of pocket)
- Hotel in FL after arrival for 12 days: $527.24 ($43 a night/out of pocket)
- Rental car in FL while awaiting vehicle delivery: $139.10 (out of pocket)
The reason for so many days in lodging on each side of the move was because in California, the company that shipped my car couldn't pick it up until 12 days after I moved out of my house. Plus, they didn't drop it off in Florida until 8 days after my arrival (which explains the rental car).
I'm positive I can deduct the entire amount of the car shipment but rental car costs and lodging rules are very vague in the IRS pub (they call them "reasonable expenses"). There is a statement that says,
"You can include any lodging expenses you had in the area of your former home within one day after you could no longer live in your former home because your furniture had been moved", which I THINK might only allow me to deduct one night's stay on either end but I'm speculating.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. While in the AF, they always reimbursed me for the above expenses but now I'm at the mercy of the IRS
Thanks!
James