{"id":2024,"date":"2017-09-18T14:05:57","date_gmt":"2017-09-18T19:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dolly.com\/blog\/?p=2024"},"modified":"2026-04-28T07:53:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:53:02","slug":"negotiate-relocation-expenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/negotiate-relocation-expenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Paid to Move: How to Negotiate Relocation Expenses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Moving for a new job is exciting, but can also be expensive and stressful. Thankfully, most companies understand this and want to help you arrive at your new job relaxed (as can be).. With so many moving options (PODS, white glove services, DIY moves and more), companies also know that packing and moving costs can add up. As such, they\u2019re typically willing to negotiate moving expenses into your employment agreement. But if you\u2019ve never moved specifically for a job, you may not be used to inquiring with employers about how, and if, they cover these costs. <\/span><\/p>\n

The important time to bring moving expenses into the conversation is during salary negotiations. With relocation assistance, you\u2019re not considering just your annual salary, bonus, and benefits, but also the entire package offered to get you set up in your new job and in your new city. As Jerry McPherson, CPA, CFE of the <\/span>Mathais Group<\/span><\/a> said, relocation dollars are typically one-time expenses, and sometimes come from different budgets\u2014so companies may be very willing to negotiate a lower-than-expected salary with moving support. \u201cNo matter what, remember that companies care about their reputations in recruiting,\u201d McPherson added, \u201cand want to make the offer attractive so you\u2019ll work for them and not a competitor.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few tips to consider as you\u2019re discussing the details with your new company. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ask early.<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s as simple as that. If a company in another location has recruited you, or you\u2019re negotiating salary, be sure to ask as early as possible in the process about their policy for employee relocation. If you don’t ask, you won\u2019t know. And this isn\u2019t something you want to spring on them at the last minute. Be upfront and clear about your needs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Think big.<\/b><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s a lot to think about when planning for and executing a move. But don\u2019t get wrapped up in minutiae when negotiating. Think about the big ticket items you\u2019d need help with: Packing, Moving, Storage\u2014and get quotes in advance. Then give your employer a lump-sum estimate. \u201cIt’s preferred by many employers to provide a flat amount for moving expenses versus paying the specifics,\u201d McPherson said. \u201cThey’d prefer not to deal with the fine details.\u201d With this lump sum in hand, you can find areas to be more frugal, which may allow you to keep more of the funds in your pocket. <\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Forget the Gross Up.<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you receive a lump sum, it will likely show up on your W-2 as salary. You don’t want to find out at the end of the year that the $15,000 you received for moving is actually worth just $10,000. So ask your employer to \u201cgross up\u201d the bonus to cover those taxes. This is where the gross-up comes into play,\u201d said Shannon Nash, CFO\/COO of <\/span>Inside Source<\/span><\/a>, and a CPA who has run HR departments for a number of companies. \u201cThe employer is in essence also paying your additional taxes from the added income. The net effect is that the employee pays zero taxes for the covered moving expenses.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

If you are receiving a grossed-up lump sum and moving yourself (whether that\u2019s using your car, PODs or a rental truck), you might need some help unloading items into your new digs. Among our many services, <\/span>we provide labor only help<\/span><\/a> to get you set up without breaking a sweat after that long drive you\u2019ve made. <\/span><\/p>\n

Go on a recruiting trip. <\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re unfamiliar with your new town or city, you might ask for a recruiting trip\u2014airfare, hotel, and spending cash to spend a few days checking out neighborhoods and looking for rentals. This can help you save money and time once you arrive\u2014and will give you a little headspace to think about where you want to live prior to diving into your big new job. <\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, an employer may not be able or willing to cover more than the most basic relocation benefit. In that case, it\u2019s important to understand what you can write off on your own taxes. <\/span><\/p>\n

Go the distance.<\/b><\/h2>\n

To deduct moving related expenses from your taxes,<\/span> the IRS requires<\/span><\/a> that the move is related to starting a new job; your new location must be at least 50 miles from your old home and job, and you must work at least 39 weeks of the year following your move. This is to prevent people from moving across town\u2014or just across the street\u2014to take advantage of tax-deductible move benefits. <\/span><\/p>\n

Know what you can deduct.<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you meet the IRS requirements, and your employer is providing no, or minimal, move-related benefits, Nash counsels that you can typically write off the following:<\/span><\/p>\n