| Certain expenses incurred in moving the household goods and personal effects for a new, full-time faculty or staff member who has accepted a position with Indiana University may be paid directly to vendors by the university ,or reimbursed to the individual, on a non-taxable basis. The types of moving and related travel expenses which are eligible for payment or reimbursement will be determined in accordance with IRS guidelines, unless specifically modified by the university elsewhere in this policy statement.
Limitation on Use of University Funds The total of payments or reimbursements that may be made to an individual with university funding, including travel expenses, is at the discretion of the campus chancellor or appropriate vice president, but is limited to no more than $10,000.00.
Eligible Moving Expenses Expenses associated with the transportation of household goods and personal effects from prior residence to new residence are eligible as moving expenses, including costs of packing, shipping and unloading. Note that special, optional, "unpacking" services offered by some moving companies do not qualify as reimbursable expenses.
Eligible Travel Expenses Expenses of traveling from the former residence to the first new place of residence are reimbursable as moving expenses. The actual costs of transportation and lodging incurred in route are eligible. Mileage reimbursements will be made based on the IRS guidelines. Travel expenses are limited to one trip per family member.
Ineligible Expenses are Taxable Compensation Payments made to an in-coming university employee to assist the employee in paying for the following types of expenses cannot be made as nontaxable payments or reimbursements of moving expenses under either IRS or State Budget Agency guidelines. Payments for the following types of expenses will be treated as taxable compensation to the employee and must be paid outside the scope of the Moving Expense Policy, by utilizing the Supplemental Payroll Voucher process:
- Storage and related expenses.
- Meals consumed during the time of travel.
- Expenses for the purpose of looking for a new residence.
- Temporary living expenses in the new location.
- Travel expenses related to side-trips or vacation stops on the way from the former residence to the new residence do not qualify as deductible moving expenses.
Scholarly Equipment and Materials Expenses incurred for the relocation of a laboratory, library, scholarly collection or research equipment will not be considered household goods or personal effects to the extent that these items are relocated to university premises. These expenses are considered ordinary and necessary business expenses of the university and will not be subject to the stated dollar limitations.
Inter-Campus Moves Moving expenses for existing faculty or staff who are asked to relocate may also be reimbursed at the discretion of the campus chancellor, subject to the other limitations that are within this policy.
Distance Limitation The move of the residence must meet the minimum IRS distance test of 50 miles from the location of the former residence.
Nonresident Alien Status Nonresident aliens who receive moving expense reimbursements must provide the university with proper documentation of visa status and work authorization, prior to authorization of payment or reimbursement.
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