Is the employee allowed to be reimbursed for house hunting expenses?
During the 30-day period before the employees start date, meals and lodging may be reimbursed (at state rates) up to a maximum of 15 days while searching for a new residence. These items are taxable. Also, during the 30-day period before the employees start date, the employee may have transportation reimbursed as non-taxable for one round-trip to search for a new residence. If the entire family accompanies the employee and they travel by air, only the employees airfare may be reimbursed. Additional trips may be reimbursed as taxable. Up to 30 days after the employees start date, meals and lodging (at state rates) may be reimbursed while the employee is looking for a new residence or waiting for the residence to be readied for occupancy.
