Do You Qualify for a Moving Expense Deduction?

Posted on: December 8th, 2011 by jenmatt No Comments

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Tax season is just around the corner and if you have  recently moved into a new home or relocated as a result of a new job or a job transfer you might qualify for a deduction. Some of the costs associated with this type of a move may allow you to receive a moving expense deduction on your income taxes. A few of things to keep in mind that help in determining if you would qualify for a moving expense deduction include:

  • The distance between the old home and the new job must be at least 50 miles
     
  • If you move within a year of taking the job at the new location
     
  • If you work full-time for at least 39 weeks (the total is 78 weeks if you are self-employed)

Keep in mind that both homeowners or renters are eligible to deduct the cost of moving household goods and the direct cost of moving you and your family if you meet the criteria. You can also deduct expenses for lodging during the move but not meals.

It is important to keep detailed records of all expenses during a move and consult a tax expert to make sure that you take all the lawful tax deductions allowed by the IRS criteria for expenses related to selling your old home or buying your new one. For additional reading regarding moving expenses, the IRS publication No. 521 entitled “Tax Information on Moving Expenses” is also a great resource.

 

 

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Tips On Moving With Pets

Posted on: November 9th, 2011 by jenmatt No Comments

Are you a pet owner who is looking to purchase a home? Moving can be a difficult enough process for the members of the family who can speak and pack their own boxes. But for your pet, who only knows that big changes are coming, the practical and emotional aspects of the move require special care and planning.

Plan ahead
You’ll want to minimize stress on your pet by eliminating as many surprises during the move as possible. Determine how you are traveling, the length of the trip and what the outside temperatures will be as soon as the move is a certainty. Will you go by car? Or use a reputable ground transport service just for animals? If you are flying with your pet, there a number of considerations to take care of far in advance of your trip. Also, different states and countries have varying requirements for importing pets.

No matter how your pet will make the move, make sure that they have an ID with your new address on it, that you have all of their health records handy, and that you keep a photo of your animal with you, in case they get lost during transit.

Visit the vet
Once you’ve determined what immunizations your pet requires, depending on your destination, it’s time for a visit to the vet. Your pet should get a full check up, in addition to whatever shots are needed. Now is also the time to consult with your vet about what travel modifications or medication might be needed to help make the trip easier on your furry companion.

Traveling by car
If you are traveling by car, there are a number of ways you can transport your pet safely. Dogs who enjoy the ride might tolerate a restraining harness, available at a pet supply store. Cats rarely like car trips, so the best bet is a secured and well-ventilated carrier.

As much as dogs love riding with their heads out the window, it’s not safe for them. Your pet could be struck by debris or catch cold from having air forced down their lungs.

Don’t ever leave pets alone in the car, especially in warm weather when the rapid increase in temperature once the doors and windows are closed could cause death. Also allow for plenty of bathroom stops. Your pets will need more of them than the human passengers.

For the duration of your trip, don’t let your pet out of the car without a collar, ID tag and leash.

Getting the right carrier
The type of travel you’ll do with your pet will determine the right kind of carrier you’ll need. Pet supply stores will have plenty to choose from. Whichever kind you purchase, do it far enough in advance of your move so that your pet can get used to spending time in it.

Pet travel kit
Regardless of how you’re relocating, your pet needs a travel kit with the basics, just like you do. Include food, water, comb, brush, treats, plastic bags, scoop and some favorite toys or a blanket.

The new home
Don’t forget to have handy all the things that makes your pet feel comfortable, including its bed, toys and food and water bowls so that you can unpack them quickly and help your pet get used to their new surroundings.

Once you’ve made it to your new place, the hard work of unpacking and getting settled can begin. A prepared move for your pet means that you will have a happy companion to help you make your new home feel like one.

Our team has helped all kinds of families move, including those with pets. Contact us for advice on how to make your pets more comfortable with the big move. We would love to hear your tips on what helped you make the move with the furry members of your family!

 

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Ways to Save While Moving To Your Dream Home

Posted on: March 14th, 2011 by jenmatt No Comments

When you are buying a new Madison, Wisconsin home, there will be a lot of expenses, some planned and some unplanned.  Closing costs, inspection fees, utility hook ups and a variety of other things can all add up and you must figure them in or your budget will be drained quicker than you were expecting.  With economy in the dumps as it has been, you must cut costs where you can. Here are some cost cutting tips that can help you save money while in the process of moving.

Although moving your belongings yourself is the biggest money saver of all, this is not always a possibility.  If you have to hire a professional service, take the time to shop around and do your homework.  Get no less than three estimates and remember, just because they are the cheapest, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best value. Check their references and do not be afraid to ask questions. If you do find red flags, check them out. Make sure you are not getting scammed.

As soon as you purchase your new Madison, Wisconsin home, start saving boxes and asking local stores for packing supplies such as the boxes their merchandise comes in. Most moving companies charge high fees for supplying these supplies.  The best way is use items you already have such as suitcases, plastic bins, baskets.  Use towels to wrap breakables. Also save newspapers for packing glassware and kitchenware.

Look for discounts. If you are using a professional service, be sure to ask about all available discounts. Some movers will give discounts if you are able to give the mover some room when it comes to pickup and delivery dates. If possible, give the movers a span of three to five days when they can pick up the load and three to five days when they can deliver. Be sure to ask about hidden costs such as if the mover has to go up stairs or if there are accessibility problems on arrival.

Packing yourself will be a savings of up to 25% or more of the entire moving cost. The more you can do yourself, the more money you will save in the long run.

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