Simply put, employee relocation is when an employee, either new or existing, is moved from one location to another at the command of the company that they work for. This is generally done in order to assist in the opening of a new location, or for career development purposes. Employee relocation may also be referred to as global mobility or corporate relocation.
Relocation benefits are costs associated with moving to a new job that are incurred by the employee and paid for by an employer. Generally speaking, relocation benefits are paid to employees who are required to move to another location for work related purposes. Because relocating will cause significant expenses for an employee and their family, employees should expect their employer to pay at least a portion of the costs associated with their relocation.
The following are common examples of expenses that may be included by employer as relocation benefits:
- Moving expenses;
- Temporary housing costs, such as covering a hotel stay;
- Transportation costs, including costs associated with shipping property;
- Storage fees, if renting a storage unit is necessary;
- Real estate agent fees;
- Additional loans taken out in order to buy a house in the new location; and/or
- Assistance in paying for child care.
In terms of employee relocation rights, these are generally included in the employment contract. The terms of relocation may be outlined in the mobility clause, which states that the employee is required to relocate so long as the employer acts on the clause in what would be considered a reasonable manner. There are no employee relocation rights at the governmental level.
Am I Entitled to Relocation Benefits?
It is important to note that companies are not required to pay an employee’s relocation expenses. Even when such benefits are offered, there is frequently a considerable discrepancy associated with how much is covered or reimbursed. If an employer asks you to make an unexpected or drastic move, they may be more flexible with its benefits to compensate for opting out of an employee relocation package.
Many of the employers that do not provide relocation benefits packages for living expenses may offer a higher salary in order to compensate for increased living expenses. Or, they may offer a better comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- More vacation time;
- Improved health coverage; and/or
- Stock options.
When employers choose to offer an employee relocation package, the cost is generally dependent upon the employee’s current living situation as well as how recently they were employed.
Are Employers Required to Pay for Relocation Benefits? Are Relocation Expenses and Packages Employee Tax Deductible?
In short, no. There are no employee relocation laws in terms of state or federal laws governing the process of employee relocation. Employers are not required to pay for relocation expenses if the employee is relocated to another geographical location in order to fulfill a job, when the job is related to the employment. It is common practice for employers to notify the employee before they are hired, that the work may require travel or a possibility of relocation.
If your employer chooses not to reimburse you for any relocation expenses, expenses that are related to your work are fully deductible and can be included on your W-2 form when filing your taxes. Some examples of this include, but may not be limited to:
- Expenses incurred to move to another location, including costs associated with a moving van, rental car and gas, packaging supplies, tolls, movers insurance, etc;
- Costs associated with shipping a car, boat, pet, motorcycle, or furniture;
- Fees associated with storing household goods not taken to new location;
- Tips and money paid to movers who assisted with the move;
- Cost associated with disconnecting and connecting any household supplies; and/or
- Standard mileage for the use of a vehicle to travel to a new location, generally 19.5 per mile.
In order to qualify for these moving expenses deductions on your federal income tax return, the following elements must be met:
- Distance: The new job must be at least 50 miles further than the old home in the prior job location;
- Time: The employee must work full time, for a minimum of 39 weeks during the first 12 months after arriving at the new job location; and
- Expenses: The expenses must be paid by the employee in order to be deductible. Moving expenses that were paid directly by the employer, and not by the employee, are not deductible and cannot be included on the W-2 or Form 3903. Such expenses may be deductible for the employer who made the payments.
Are Relocation Benefits Negotiable?
Successful negotiations are possible, and they can be influenced by your position in the company as well as your unique family or medical issues. However, company policies or resources may also impose limits on your negotiating power.
Generally speaking, relocation packages are negotiable. Also, an employer is more likely to agree on a relocation package that provides an advantage to them as well, even when doing so costs more for the employer.
How Can I Prepare a Relocation Benefits Package That Suits Me?
As the whole purpose of relocation benefits is to negotiate and receive benefits that address your needs, you should feel confident discussing these needs with your employer and asking them to provide what you require. Some examples of ways in which you can determine what kind of relocation benefits package suits your needs include, but may not be limited to:
- Determine What Assistance is Typical: Ask other people in the company that have been relocated in order to determine what types of relocation benefits and assistance they received;
- Develop Mutually Beneficial Ideas: Many companies are willing to provide relocation benefit packages when those packages also fulfill their needs. Your employer may be more willing to negotiate a deal that provides some sort of advantage for both sides;
- Focus On Your Interest: Essentially, you should focus on prioritizing your needs when negotiating. Determine what financial assistance you would need in order to relocate you and your family, considering expenses for moving as well as expenses that might occur in the future because you are in a different location; and/or
- Get The Agreement In Writing: Once you and your employer have come to an agreement on your specific relocation benefits package, ensure that the agreement is in writing. It should also provide all of the details and negotiations that were discussed by both sides.
Discussing any issues with your employer and reviewing your employment contract could help remedy any confusion. Additionally, if you are unable to resolve the issue, an employment attorney can help settle your dispute.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
If you are being asked to relocate for your job, and would like to negotiate a relocation benefit package, you should work with an experienced and local workers compensation lawyer. Because there are no laws governing relocation and associated subjects, an area attorney will be best suited to helping you understand how best to proceed given your state’s labor laws.
Your attorney can help you negotiate a suitable benefit package, or review your current offer in order to determine if everything is legal. Your employment lawyer will also be able to represent you in court as needed.
Jose Rivera, J.D.
Managing Editor
Editor
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2021