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[longway]

I'm starting my first teaching job as an assistant professor this fall.  It's a long way from where I live now.  How much help do colleges typically give with moving expenses?  Does it vary a lot depending on the size of the school and so forth?

[Professor 7/7]

It depends on a lot of factors, among them state laws (assuming that you're working at a state-funded institution).

Talk to the human resources department at your new school, only they can answer your question for certain.

If you college offers nothing, or less than what you'll need, there's a moving expenses deduction on federal tax forms now, one that doesn't require itemizing deductions.  So, even if you don't get what you deserve now, you can get it back next year.

Good luck, and congratulations!

[tt arts]

The IRS deduction covers the cost of moving, and the costs of your getting to your new place (driving or flying, hotels, but not food).  

Unfortunately, it does NOT cover relocation expenses -- your trip (hotel, airfare, food, etc. etc.) to your new university to look for housing.  Try to get your university to pony up at least hotel expenses while you're down there looking for a place.

[econ anon]

You should ask the college how much they'll help.  If you haven't done negotiations, that should be included in the negotiations.

It does vary an awful lot.

[chair at small private college]

See if your new college has a free or cheap place to stay - either short term in the summer for househunting/spouses' job searches, or long term - a few weeks or even months during your first semester.

Every private college I've ever been associated with has had transitional housing (usually in a dormitory) available for newly arrived faculty and staff (usually on a first-come, first-served basis - call now!).  State institutions may be restricted about using dormitory space in that way, but I would think even state institutions would have something.

It probably won't be luxurious, and if you're still there in August, you'll get to hear every minute of welcome week and Greek rush, but you can't beat the commute or the price!

[Q]

Professor 7/7 wrote:


>
> If you college offers nothing, or less than what you'll need,
> there's a moving expenses deduction on federal tax forms now,
> one that doesn't require itemizing deductions.  So, even if you
> don't get what you deserve now, you can get it back next year.
>

When did this kick in?  The person at H&R Block who did my taxes this past year did not take off my moving expenses because she says that they weren't enough to make it possible for me to itemize.

???

[econ anon]

When you do your income taxes, you get a standard deduction, which is the amount the government guesses the normal person would deduct if he or she itemized.  If your moving expenses + other itemized deductions (like charitable giving) are less than that standard deduction, then it makes no sense to itemize.

Filing Status Standard Deduction
Single $4,850
Married filing jointly or a qualifying widow(er) $9,700
Married filing separately $4,850
Head of household $7,150
If you're claimed as a dependent on someone else's return $250
+ earned income of at least $800 and not more than the basic standard deduction of $4850

So if you're single and your moving expenses were 5K, then it would make sense to itemize.  But if you're single and your moving expenses were 2K and you made no charitable donations or any of the other things you can deduct, then it doesn't make sense to itemize.

[J.]

Qualified moving expenses can be deducted even if you don't itemize--see your form 1040, line 29.  It's the same category as student loan interest, IRA contributions, etc.

[Mahoo]

Q wrote:

>
> When did this kick in?  The person at H&R Block who did my
> taxes this past year did not take off my moving expenses
> because she says that they weren't enough to make it possible
> for me to itemize.
>
> ???

H&R Block made a mistake. Not a big surprise there.

If your employment related moving is for more than 50 miles, your income is reduced by the amount of the moving expense. This is before any deduction comes into place. You do not have to decide either standard or itemize based on this.

It only covers the actual moving and not relocation related secondary expense.  I think one previous poster has already mentioned this.

[CSP]

For what it's worth, I recently finished my master's degree in college student personnel and I am just finishing up my job search (two offers on the table :) ).  I applied for two schools in Florida, one public and one private and both offered me $1,000 for moving expenses/relocation.  Hope this helps.

[permanent nomad]

It does vary a lot, depends on school, field and the good will of the people hiring you. I got as much as 10k in the past from a top 10 department where they really wanted me. Other places give zero. Anyhow, even if they tell you they can't pay for moving expenses because of legal constraints, keep asking. If they want you,  there is usually a way around this: signing bonus, higher base salary, consulting fee....be creative! Sometimes it just takes the department chair to file some paperwork on your behalf.

[CSP]

I agree with permanent nomad--at the public university in Florida, they told me they're not supposed to offer relocation money, but that they would fill out the paperwork calling it "a second interview."

[econ anon]

I stand corrected--

I've never moved for a job yet so I've never paid attention to that line on the tax form.  (I am NOT a tax economist! ;) )

If you look at a standard tax form (the EZ one) it will tell you what counts separately from the standard itemized deduction.

[anon]

Among my friends $1000 is common for a one-year visiting or fellowship and between $2000-$4000 for a tt job.  But that was always determined during the negotiations, not later.

[2 More Cents]

Some states will also let you deduct the expenses of moving into their state.