Understanding Qualified Moving Expense Reimbursement and Its Benefits
Definition & Meaning
A qualified moving expense reimbursement is a type of fringe benefit provided by an employer that is not counted as taxable income for the employee. This reimbursement covers expenses related to moving that the employee could typically deduct on their taxes. However, it does not include any amounts that the employee has already claimed as a deduction in a previous tax year.
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in employment law and tax law. It applies in situations where an employer compensates an employee for moving expenses. Understanding this benefit is important for both employers and employees, as it can affect tax filings and financial planning. Users can manage related forms and documentation through resources like US Legal Forms, which provide templates drafted by legal professionals.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An employee relocates from New York to California for a new job. Their employer reimburses them for the costs of hiring a moving company and travel expenses. This reimbursement is considered a qualified moving expense reimbursement.
Example 2: An employee moves to a new city for work and receives $2,000 from their employer to cover moving costs. Since this amount is not included in their taxable income, it qualifies as a tax-free fringe benefit. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute governing qualified moving expense reimbursements is found in the Internal Revenue Code, specifically under 26 USCS § 132(g). This section outlines the treatment of fringe benefits and specifies the conditions under which moving expense reimbursements are excluded from gross income.