Calculator inputs
Use the fields below to estimate qualified costs, reimbursement offsets, and the remaining deduction.
Example data table
| Example item | Amount | Included in estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household goods transportation | $2,450.00 | Yes | Main shipment between homes. |
| Packing and crating | $525.00 | Yes | Professional packing service. |
| Storage fees | $300.00 | Yes | Short storage during transit. |
| Miles driven | 860 | Yes | Uses selected mileage method. |
| Lodging cost | $280.00 | Yes | Travel lodging only. |
| Excluded reimbursements | $1,100.00 | Reduces deduction | Offset against qualified costs. |
| Meals | $145.00 | No | Tracked outside the formula. |
Formula used
Transportation + packing + storage + insurance + trailer or shipping + other qualified household costs
Vehicle travel + other travel transportation + lodging + parking and tolls
Standard method: miles driven × mileage rate
Actual method: entered actual vehicle expense
Max[(Household and storage total + Travel total) − (Excluded reimbursements + Direct paid services), 0]
The calculator sets the estimate to zero when the selected move is not eligible.
How to use this calculator
- Select the tax year and the filer category that best matches the move.
- Confirm whether the move followed a qualifying order or required relocation.
- Enter household transportation, packing, storage, insurance, and related qualified handling costs.
- Choose the travel method, then enter either miles and rate or actual vehicle expense.
- Add lodging, parking, tolls, and any other direct travel transportation costs.
- Enter excluded reimbursements and direct paid services that reduce the deduction estimate.
- Track meals or other non-deductible items separately without affecting the final deduction.
- Click the calculate button to view the result, chart, CSV file, and PDF summary.
Frequently asked questions
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates qualified moving costs, subtracts excluded reimbursements or direct paid services, and shows a projected deduction based on the eligibility path you selected.
2. Why is my deduction zero?
A zero result usually means the move failed the selected eligibility rules or reimbursements fully offset qualified costs. The tool still totals your costs for review.
3. Should I enter meals here?
No. Meals are tracked separately in the non-deductible field so you can document them without inflating the estimated deduction.
4. What is the difference between excluded and taxable reimbursements?
Excluded reimbursements reduce the estimate directly. Taxable reimbursements are displayed for reference because they may already be included in wages instead.
5. When should I use the actual vehicle method?
Use the actual method when you want to override mileage and enter a direct vehicle amount instead. The calculator uses only one vehicle method at a time.
6. Can I include packing and storage?
Yes. The calculator treats those fields as qualified household-handling inputs and adds them to the transportation and storage total.
7. What do the export buttons do?
The CSV button downloads the numeric result summary. The PDF button creates a concise report with your final figures and notes.
8. Is this tool enough for filing?
No. Use it for planning and review, then compare the output against your official filing instructions, supporting records, and professional advice when needed.