Tax question re: moving expenses for seasonal drivers

[Northern Skies]

This is the first year that I am claiming my moving expenses to go to work. I am curious about the experiences of others in regard to this issue.

I have talked about the issue with a CRA agent, and was told that expenses from my move home in the fall cannot be claimed because it was not for the purpose of a new job or course. OK, that is made clear in the documentation about it, so I won't contest that.

However, an issue comes up regarding the spring move north to work. Her response, after a considerable delay to deliberate, was that my move would not count as a "move" because I apparently did not "establish a household" and would be better defined as "travel".

I am asking because my bullshit detector activated during her explanation. I understand that there is a difference between "law", "regulation", and "policy". Law is law, regulation is given authority by law, and policy is something which is pulled out of a bureaucrat's ass. Thus, I have a feeling that her answer was something made up and that others may have had different experiences - your experiences. I have $900 in deductions riding here, so it's worth looking into.

I did not change my mailing address along with the move north, but I feel that the move could be defined as permanent. First, it was for 6 months, more than enough to count as a permanent resident under several acts. Second, the employment is filed as a permanent hire, with a layoff "due to lack of work" in the fall.... there is no contract and therefore the historical "status quo" is the only way that someone can call it a temporary position, which has questionable legal value in my opinion. Furthermore, although accommodations were provided by the employer and therefore I did not rent or buy, I think that dragging everything I own with me and settling in is "establishing a household" for damn sure.

While I look at definitions such as "permanent" in tax law, I would like to hear the experiences of other pilots in regard to this issue. Any advice?

[Heliian]

you can only claim moving expenses for work relocation and you have to change your address. Make sure you have receipts because both times i claimed moving expenses, they came back to me looking for proof. The letters i received said it was for a random check, but since it happened 2 years in a row i don't think so. Also, depending on where you live in the north, there are deductions for northern residency. Talk to a tax specialist and stay away from HR block.

Whatever you do, don't piss off the CRA.

Cheers,

I