A permanent change of station (PCS) for members of the Armed Forces on active duty includes the following types of moves:
Types of Moves Qualifying as a Permanent Change of Station
- Move from home to first post of active duty — This includes moves when you are appointed, reappointed, reinstated, or inducted into active duty.
- Move from one permanent post of duty to another — Relocation between military assignments due to a military order.
- Move from last post of duty to home or a nearer point in the United States — Must occur within 1 year of ending active duty or within the period allowed under the Joint Travel Regulations.
Special Considerations for Spouses and Dependents
- If a service member deserts, is imprisoned, or dies while on active duty, a permanent change of station for the spouse or dependent includes a move to:
- The member’s place of enlistment or induction
- The member’s or spouse’s home of record
- A nearer point in the United States
- If the military moves the service member and their spouse or dependents to different locations, these moves are treated as a single move to the new main job location.
Eligibility and Reporting
- Only members of the Armed Forces on active duty who move due to a military order qualify to claim the moving expense deduction under current law (through 2025).
- Use Form 3903 (Moving Expenses) to calculate the allowable deduction and report it on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Part II, Line 14.
Reimbursements or government-provided moving services (e.g., dislocation allowance, temporary lodging allowance, or government-provided transportation) may be either excluded from income or included in wages depending on the specific type of payment and applicable military pay rules. Amounts included in taxable wages (Form W-2) are not automatically excluded but may be offset by the moving expense deduction if eligible.
Source:
Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide
Form 3903, Moving Expense Deduction
Publication 15-B, Employer’s Tax Guide
Disclaimer: Always verify details with current Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions. Tax rules may change, and individual circumstances may require professional advice from a CPA or tax attorney.