Residential Movers in Surrey: How to Claim Your Moving Expenses

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Residential Movers in Surrey: How to Claim Your Moving Expenses

June 11, 2024

Moving to a new home is a major life event — and in Canada, under specific conditions, you can claim moving expenses on your taxes. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you are eligible if your new residence is at least 40 kilometers closer to your workplace, business, or place of study. However, if you work fully from home, you usually cannot claim moving costs. If you operate a home office as part of your remote work, some operating expenses might be deductible.

In this guide, we explain who qualifies, which moving expenses are reimbursable, which are not, and how to properly claim them when relocating with residential movers in Surrey.


Who Can Claim Moving Expenses in Canada?

To qualify for a tax deduction:

  • Your move must be closely related to starting a new job, operating a business, or attending full-time post-secondary education.
  • Your new home must be at least 40 km closer to your place of work or school compared to your old home.

Relocations for reasons like better weather or a nicer neighborhood do not qualify unless they meet the work or study distance requirement.


8 Tax-Deductible Moving Expenses in 2024

When you move with residential movers in Surrey or elsewhere in Canada, many of your relocation costs are eligible for tax deductions. Here’s what you can claim:

1. Storage and Moving Services

Expenses such as:

  • Hiring professional movers
  • Packing and labor fees
  • Truck rentals
  • Storage costs during the move
  • Moving insurance
  • Transporting large watercraft

These also cover furniture moving in Surrey and other related services.

2. Travel Expenses

You can deduct travel costs for you and your family, including:

  • Transportation fares
  • Meals
  • Temporary lodging while en route to your new home

Both residential movers and commercial movers in Surrey often assist with these relocations.

3. Temporary Living Costs

You can claim accommodation expenses for up to 15 days if you require temporary housing because of your move.

4. Lease Cancellation Fees

If you need to break a rental lease early due to the move, you can claim:

  • Lease cancellation fees (with a receipt)
  • Note: Overdue rent payments are not deductible.

5. Incidental Moving Costs

These include:

  • Driver’s license replacement
  • Updating legal documents
  • Utility disconnection and reconnection fees

6. Maintaining Your Old Home

If your old home is vacant while being sold or rented out, you can claim up to $5,000 for:

  • Mortgage interest
  • Property taxes
  • Utilities
  • Insurance premiums

7. Selling Your Old Home

Deductible costs when selling include:

  • Advertising
  • Legal and notary fees
  • Real estate commission
  • Mortgage penalties for early repayment

8. Purchasing a New Home

You can claim:

  • Legal fees (excluding GST/HST)
  • Land transfer taxes related to transferring ownership

Important: Always keep detailed receipts to make tax filing easier.


6 Moving Expenses That Are NOT Reimbursable

Before filing your moving expense claims, be aware that some costs cannot be deducted:

1. Home Improvements

Renovations like:

  • Installing pools
  • Major upgrades (plumbing, electrical systems) These are not deductible, even if they help sell your home.

2. Prohibited Items

Professional movers are prohibited from transporting:

  • Alcohol
  • Ammunition
  • Firearms
  • Pets
  • Plants

Costs related to these items cannot be claimed.

3. Repairs and Cleaning

If you pay for:

  • Repairing wall damages
  • Deep cleaning rental units These costs are not eligible.

4. Mail Forwarding

The cost of forwarding mail after your move is not deductible.

5. Searching for a New Home or School

Travel expenses incurred while visiting potential homes or schools are not claimable.

6. Loss from Home Sale

If you sell your home at a loss, you cannot deduct the financial loss on your tax return.


How to Calculate Your Claim for Moving Expenses

The CRA offers two methods for claiming moving costs when using residential movers in Surrey:

Comprehensive Method

  • Save all receipts and documentation.
  • Claim actual amounts spent on meals, vehicle use, and travel.

Simplified Method

  • Use a flat rate per kilometer for travel.
  • Claim a fixed daily amount for meals.
  • Keep minimal receipts (but it’s still recommended).

Most experts recommend saving all receipts, even when using the simplified method, for added security if the CRA requests proof.


Important Tips When Using Residential Movers in Surrey

  • Always request detailed, itemized invoices from your moving company.
  • Save both paper and digital copies of all receipts related to moving costs.
  • Stay informed about any CRA updates or changes to moving expense policies.

If you’ve hired long-distance residential movers in Surrey, detailed record-keeping will help you maximize your tax deductions and avoid missing out on eligible claims.

When in doubt, consult a tax professional to ensure you qualify and file your moving expenses correctly.


Final Thoughts

Relocating with the help of professional residential movers in Surrey can be an exciting fresh start. Plus, if you meet CRA’s criteria, you can ease the financial burden by claiming eligible moving expenses on your taxes. Always maintain thorough records, stay informed about CRA guidelines, and seek expert advice when needed.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your move and make the most of your tax deductions!

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