Packing your bags and moving to a new city for your dream job? Your employer is relocating you to a new office? If you're moving for professional reasons, you may be able to deduct certain moving expenses. We'll explain which ones and how to report them in the Taxfix app.
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If your move is job-related, you can deduct many expenses.
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International and study-related moves can sometimes also be considered.
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You can either submit receipts or use the lump sum allowance.
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The entry is made in the Taxfix app under the “Job” category.
🚀 Your Guide
When is a Move Job-Related?
A move is considered job-related if one of the following applies:
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Your daily commute is shortened by at least one hour (round trip).
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You are starting your first job.
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You are being transferred by your employer or the office is being relocated.
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The move is related to maintaining a second household.
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You are moving into or out of employer-provided housing.
Usually, your new employment contract or a confirmation from your employer will suffice as proof.
⚠️ If your employer pays for the move, you cannot claim the expenses. If only part is covered, you must reduce your deduction accordingly.
Moving for Private Reasons or for Studies
Not every move is work-related – but even private moves may allow you to deduct some costs. For example, expenses for a moving company may be considered household-related services. Full details can be found in the article “Moving for Private Reasons: These Costs Can Be Deducted”.
If you're moving for your studies, you may also benefit from tax deductions depending on your course and degree type. You’ll find a full overview in the article “Tax Returns for Students”.
Job-Related Move Abroad or to Germany
If you're moving to Germany for work or abroad for a job, you may also be eligible to deduct expenses:
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A move to Germany is treated like a domestic job-related move.
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A move abroad can only be deducted if it is tied to foreign income. Details on tax rules for such moves can be found in the article “Can I Deduct Moving Costs as an Expat or Relocator?”.
What Expenses Can You Deduct?
General expenses (fully deductible with receipts):
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Travel costs for preparation
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The move itself (transport, packing services)
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Double rent (up to 6 months)
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Real estate agent fees, apartment viewings
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Repairs for transport damages
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Tutoring for children due to school changes
Other expenses (claimable with receipts or lump sum):
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Apartment search ads
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Registration fees
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Meals for helpers
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Cosmetic repairs
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Installing light fixtures
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Fitting kitchens or appliances
The Flat-Rate Moving Allowance
If you don’t want to collect receipts, you can use the flat-rate allowance. The amount depends on the date and number of household members:
| Date | Single | Married/Single Parent | Each Additional Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| from 01.06.2020 | €860 | – | €573 |
| from 01.04.2021 | €870 | – | €580 |
| from 01.04.2022 | €886 | – | €590 |
🔎 The allowance increases by 50% if you move a second time within five years for work and had your own household before and after both moves.
What Can't Be Deducted?
You cannot deduct the following expenses:
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New furniture
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Furniture storage
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Renovations in the new home
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Real estate agent costs for buying property
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Losses from selling a house
How to Enter Moving Expenses in the Taxfix App
In the app, start by stating that you are employed in the section "About you". You’ll then be asked whether you have moved. Answer “yes” and select the work-related reason.
The relevant questions about moving will then appear in the “Job” section. You can choose whether to use the flat-rate allowance or submit receipts.
🏠 If your move was for private reasons and you paid for a moving company, you can enter these costs as a household-related service under “Expenses”.
🚀 Fill out the simple question-answer flow - we'll take care of the rest!
Still have questions?
We're here to help! Contact our support team: support@taxfix.de