---

.100 General

When the University chooses to pay moving and relocation expenses, it must do so within the limitations and restrictions provided in the State Moving and Relocation Policy. This section includes the rules, guidelines, specific limitations and restrictions when making third party payments and reimbursing employees for relocating their household to accommodate James Madison University. It provides information to help in moving and relocating employees and their families as quickly as possible at a fair and reasonable cost to the University.

State Moving and Relocation regulations do not require the University to pay moving and relocation expenses. The University may restrict the amount paid to a lesser sum than the maximum allowed by the regulations. Restrictions may be either in total or by individual category.

The amount allowed for moving and relocation expense is determined by the University based on funding available, not on the amounts listed in this procedure.

James Madison University follows Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations. Beginning January 1, 1994, the University included taxable moving and relocation reimbursements in the employee's gross income on their Federal W-2 form. The University deducts the appropriate payroll taxes before making payment and recording the excess reimbursement in accounting and payroll records.

James Madison University employees should always use discretion when incurring and reporting payment of public funds. Moving and relocation payments are open to the public and must sustain the test of public review. Realizing the need to control individual situations, the University will apply these procedures fairly and competitively. The University reviews thoroughly all reimbursement and payment requests before processing them for payment.

Payroll Services processes all moving and relocation reimbursement requests through a special payroll process. This office also approves payments to common carriers for moving and relocation transportation costs. The Office of Accounts Payable processes these documents for payment. The University will not approve payments for moving and relocation costs through other processes, such as petty cash.

The University does not issue advances (loans) to cover moving expenses before the move, but may issue an advance upon receipt and approval of forms and required documentation. The advance is to cover payments made by the employee while awaiting receipt of the reimbursement check.

Address questions concerning these procedures to Payroll Services, Telephone x88034.

.200 Definitions

Agency	James Madison University (JMU).
Approving Authority	President, Vice President, Associate Vice President, Dean, Asst/Assoc Dean, Director, or Department Head who is the Approving Authority for the DeptID.
Carrier Transportation	Services (such as: loading, hauling, crating, and unpacking) provided by a common carrier. The services may include incidental materials supplied to move the household goods and personal effects.
Common Carrier	Any licensed commercial moving company.
Days	All references to "days" refer to calendar days.
Family	Includes any spouse or dependent that resides in the household and moves to the new location. Note: The marriage must be recognized as legal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Moving	Actions to change the place of a primary residence.
Moving Expenses	Payments for transporting the employee, family, household goods, and personal effects from the former residence to the new work location.
Personal Residence	House, condominium, townhouse, or rental property (for example, apartment, flat) where the employee maintains a permanent primary household.
Primary Household	Household goods and personal effects maintained at the employee's main place of residence.
Relocation	The process of establishing, and settling in a particular place for employment purposes.
Relocation Expenses	Payments other than moving expenses incurred in relocating the employee and family.
State Employee	Any elected, appointed, salaried, or classified employee of a State agency or institution.
State Funds	Monies deposited with the State Treasurer, whether derived from appropriations or agency receipts.
Moving and Relocation Agreement	An agreement to remain in the employment of the Commonwealth from the first day in the new position until twelve (12) months after. (The employee must sign this agreement before incurring any expenses.) NOTE: This is not the JMU Employment Contract.  The Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee, must also sign this form.
Temporary Quarters	Moving and relocation regulations define temporary quarters as lodging or housing in which the employee lives at a reasonable cost, until a permanent residence is secured, or up to a maximum of 90 days. Temporary quarters could consist of any type of lodging or housing, such as hotels/motels, apartments, or single-family dwellings.

.300 Eligibility

The eligibility of any employee for reimbursement of moving and relocation expenses is at the discretion of James Madison University. James Madison University has the authority to approve or disapprove payments for relocations. Approval or disapproval is subject to University, State and Federal regulations. The University will notify employees of any limitations of scope or University policy that may affect the eligibility for reimbursement.

.310 Employee

The employee must be a full-time salaried employee of James Madison University, as defined by the University.

.320 Relocation

To be eligible for reimbursement, the employee's relocation must meet all of the following conditions:

At Employer's Request

Relocation must be at the request of the employing agency (James Madison University) and for the good of the Commonwealth as determined by the department's approving authority.

The University will not reimburse expenses when the relocation is at the request of, or for the convenience of the employee.

Distance

Effective January 1, 1994, the distance between the employee's new work location and the former residence must be at least fifty (50) miles greater than the distance between the employee's old work location and the former residence. That is, the employee's commuting distance must have increased by at least fifty (50) miles one way. For example, if the original commuting distance from the former residence to the old work site was 10 miles, the new work site must be at least sixty (60) miles. That is, ten (10) miles, original commuting distance, plus the fifty (50) mile increase from the former residence.

Exceptions may be considered by the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee, for relocations which require the employee to establish new residence in a specific geographical location when commuting distance is not increased by 50 miles. All exceptions granted for distances less than 50 miles will comply with IRS regulations and will be taxable to the employee.

Permanent

The employee must satisfactorily maintain employment on a full-time basis with James Madison University for at least one year. The year begins on the date that the employee starts work regularly at the new location. The Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement documents the terms and conditions according to subsection .470, "Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement" of this section.

.400 Reimbursement Limitations

.410 Expenses Incurred and Supported

All payments for reimbursement must be reasonable, necessary, and incurred after the employee executes an Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement. The employee must submit all reimbursement requests to Payroll Services within twelve (12) months of the beginning date of employment at the new location.

.411 House Hunting Expenses (Pre-move Travel) – TAXABLE

House hunting expenses include the following for employee and spouse while traveling:

◊  Cost of transportation (including automobile rental) ◊  Meals ◊  Lodging

Travel expenses for house hunting purposes are eligible for reimbursement.  Refer to Section 4215, "Travel," for additional information. Moving and relocation regulations limit reimbursement for house hunting to three (3) trips for the employee and three (3) trips for the spouse.  The University will reimburse a maximum of fifteen (15) nights of lodging. A night of combined lodging for both the employee and spouse counts as one night.

.412 Temporary Quarters – TAXABLE

The employee may claim reimbursement for reasonable lodging or rent expense. Regulations allow up to ninety (90) days, beginning thirty (30) days prior to the first day of employment. Reasonable residential parking fees will be reimbursed during the 90 days of temporary quarters. Cost for hookup of utilities at temporary quarters is not reimbursable. The employee may claim reimbursement for meal expenses for the first thirty (30) days of residence in temporary quarters. Such expenses must be reasonable, necessary, and according to State Travel regulations. Refer to Section 4215, "Travel," for additional information.

.413 Home Sale – TAXABLE

Actual expenses of real estate commissions on the sale of the former principal residence are reimbursable and the usual closing and legal costs incurred in the sale of that residence. Moving and relocation regulations limit reimbursement for home sale expenses to $11,000, as outlined in subsection .420 "Total Reimbursement". The employee must include a copy of the signed "Closing Statement," as supportive documentation when requesting reimbursement. The closing attorney, the realtor, or the seller may sign the "Closing Statement." Listed below are "reimbursable" and "non-reimbursable" expenses related to the sale of a principal residence.

REIMBURSABLE

The following expenses, related to the sale of the principal residence due to moving and relocation are reimbursable:

Actual expense of real estate commission Attorney fees Title fees Escrow fees State transfer taxes Pest inspections

NON–REIMBURSABLE

The following expenses, related to the sale of the principal residence due to moving and relocation are not reimbursable:

Sales commissions and similar expenses if the employee acts as a selling agent (closing and legal costs are allowable) Advertising and "fix–up" costs Loss sustained on sale of residence Real estate and capital gains taxes Payment and repayment of interest Points or loan payment charges that are negotiable "Carrying" costs (maintenance fees, utilities, principal, etc.) Mortgage penalties The buyer's closing costs, including Virginia fees

.414 Cancellation of Lease – TAXABLE

The settlement of a lease on the former residence is reimbursable and must be due to moving and relocation. The employee must include a copy of the signed lease and the canceled check or receipt for the lease cancellation payment.

.415 Travel (Move to New Job Location and House Hunting) – TAXABLE

Travel expenses related to moving and relocation are eligible for reimbursement according to State Travel regulations. Refer to Section 4215, "Travel," for additional information. Moving and relocation regulations limit reimbursement to expenses for:

The initial trip, after employment, to the new work location  (TAXABLE)
Trips for actual house hunting  (TAXABLE)
The trip to bring the family to the new residence (temporary or permanent)  (TAXABLE)

Travel reimbursement does not include automobile rental, except house hunting purposes.

.416 Transportation of Household Goods and Personal Effects – TAXABLE

The actual costs paid for common carrier transportation of the employee's household goods and personal effects are reimbursable.  Reimbursement covers transportation costs from the former principal residence to the residence at the new work location.  Moving and relocation regulations allow the actual costs, in addition to the $11,000 limitation, if the employee uses common carrier transportation.  Refer to subsection .420, "Total Reimbursement," for additional information.

Employees must get three (3) bids for common carrier transportation. The employee should use the lowest of the three (3) bids for moving personal effects from the former residence to the new residence. Before making a formal commitment to use the common carrier, the employee must provide copies of the three (3) bids to James Madison University. Send the copies to Payroll Services, MSC 5706.   Payroll Services will notify the employee of the common carrier chosen.

When at all possible, the employee should use a common carrier based in Virginia. When outside the Commonwealth of Virginia, employees should contact Virginia common carriers to ask if they can match the bid submitted by the out–of–state firms.

The University will issue a letter, if required by the common carrier, to confirm the amount approved for moving expenses.

The University will issue a check directly to the common carrier when the bill is received.  Please note that the University will not reimburse valuation charges above what is normally allowed in the contract (Bulk Rate coverage).  If the employee chooses additional valuation, they must pay that fee directly to the common carrier.

If employees choose to move themselves, the University will include the actual costs allowed in the $11,000 limitation. The following actual costs are reimbursable with appropriate supporting documentation:

Moving vehicle rental – moving van, truck, trailer, hand truck, or other appropriate moving equipment, vehicles, and supplies are reimbursable. Purchase of such a vehicle or equipment is not reimbursable. The purchase of moving supplies, such as packing paper, boxes or cartons, is reimbursable. The cost of such purchases must not exceed $500. Gas used by a rental truck during the move is reimbursable. The employee must get original receipts for all of the expenses listed. Refer to Section 4215, "Travel," for additional information and restrictions concerning the use of rental vehicles.

Labor used during the move – Moving and relocation regulations limit reimbursement to a reasonable hourly wage. The maximum total allowed is $250. Labor provided by the employee or immediate family member(s) is not reimbursable. The employee must get a receipt from the individual employed, showing the amount received and the signature of the recipient.

Mileage – Employees may request reimbursement for use of a personally owned or borrowed moving vehicle. Reimbursement for this expense is at the current personal vehicle mileage rate. This rate is available from the Office of Accounts Payable, Telephone x86265. Moving and relocation regulations will not cover reimbursement for the "rental value" of the personally owned vehicle. The expense of a car or truck with a trailer in tow is reimbursable at the current personal vehicle mileage rate.

Tolls – The amount paid for tolls during the move is reimbursable. Include the name of the facility (road, bridge or tunnel) on the reimbursement request.

.417 Storage of Household Goods and Personal Effects – TAXABLE

Expenses for a maximum of thirty (30) days temporary (in transit) storage of household goods are reimbursable. Regulations allow reimbursement if the employee cannot move directly into the new residence. The $11,000 limitation does not include these expenses. Refer to .420, "Total Reimbursement" for additional information.

.418 Home Purchase (TAXABLE)

Certain expenses related to the purchase of a home, incurred by an employee relocating to a new work place, may be reimbursable. These expenses are subject to the $11,000 maximum limitations.  To qualify for reimbursement of these expenses, the relocated employee must have owned a primary residence at his prior location, which due to relocation resulted in disposal of the residence. The University will not reimburse the employee for these expenses to purchase a second residence, investment, business, or resort/vacation property at the new work site. The following expenses related to a home purchase may be reimbursable:

VA funding fee Loan origination fee, or lease processing fee Mortgage survey Appraisal fee Credit report Title search Title Insurance Recording fee Attorney fee Home Inspection (Limited to one) Notary fees

All of the preceding expenses must relate to the purchase of the primary residence. The employee must purchase (close) on the home within twelve (12) months after the official starting date of employment. Moving and relocation regulations require documentation clearly identifying these expenses.

The University may approve up to an additional twenty four (24) months for extenuating circumstances. The employee must document the extenuating circumstances for review and approval by the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee.  Payroll Services may present extensions after this period to the State Controller, for review.  This review may result in an extension being granted if warranted.

Expenses related to the purchase and replacement of a primary residence, not specifically listed above, are not reimbursable. Examples of some expenses that are not reimbursable are:

Utility deposits and connection fees Real estate taxes, prepaid or otherwise Capital gains taxes Mortgage loan differential Realtor fees related to purchasing Remodeling or decoration expenses Points, discount fees, or loan payment charges Repair and maintenance costs Homeowner insurance Homeowner warranty fees Private mortgage insurance Permit fees such as building, sewer and zoning Deposit for rent

.419 Non-Reimbursable Expenses

The University approves only those expenses specifically allowed in State Moving and Relocation regulations for reimbursement. Regulations do not consider the following as moving and relocation expenses:

• The cost of insurance for more than bulk rate coverage provided by the Common Carrier
• The cost to transport recreation vehicles, such as yachts
• Laundry or dry cleaning while in temporary quarters
• The cost to move a pet

.420 Total Reimbursement

State Moving and Relocation regulations establishes the total dollar limit of $11,000 for all moving and relocation expenses other than common carrier transportation and 30 day storage of household goods. Regulations do not place a maximum limit on expense reimbursement or costs related to the use of a common carrier for transportation and 30 days storage.

.430 Employee's Spouse

If the employee's spouse is a State employee and otherwise eligible for moving and relocation expenses, the University will reimburse expenses to only one employee and only to move the primary household to the new location.

.440 Funding

The University determines the availability of funding for moving and relocation expenses and related taxes, if any. The signatory authority for the account charged must approve all moving and relocation payments.

.450 Prospective Employment

Pre-employment expenses for travel, testing, interviewing, and related activities, incurred by or for a prospective employee before employment, are travel expenses not moving and relocation expenses.

The University may reimburse travel expenses of prospective employees, incidental to an employment interview. Departments should request reimbursement of pre-employment expenses separate from moving and relocation expenses. These expenses are reimbursable under State Travel regulations, in effect at the time such expenses occur. Refer to Section 4215, "Travel" for complete information.

.460 Mileage - Travel

Reimbursement for mileage costs may not exceed the amount calculated using the state mileage rate in effect at the time of travel. The rate is available from the Office of Accounts Payable, Telephone x86265.

.470 Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement

Any employee requesting reimbursement or payment for moving and relocation expenses must execute an Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement.  The employee must sign this agreement with James Madison University before incurring any moving and relocation expenses. The agreement stipulates:

• The employee must remain employed on a full-time basis with James Madison University for at least one year, beginning on the date that the employee starts work at the new location.
• If the employee ends employment with James Madison University before the obligated one year of service, the employee will repay the University the gross amount of moving and relocation payments. That is, actual reimbursements received by the employee and payments to third parties for the employee, and all taxes deducted that relate to those reimbursements.
• Moving and relocation regulations do not require repayment if termination is at the election of the University due to unsatisfactory job performance, or because of a layoff.
• The University may prorate or waive repayment if the employee terminates employment with the University for other reasons beyond the employee's control and acceptable to the University.
• Exceptions involving the early cancellation of an existing Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement, upon executing a new Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement, will be at the option of the agency or agencies involved.

.480 Reimbursement Procedures

The University will not make reimbursements to employees for moving and relocation expenses on an Accounting Voucher, Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher or Request for Petty Cash Check via Accounts Payable.  Moving and relocation regulations require the University to make reimbursements to the employee for moving and relocation expenses through the regular payroll process.

All reimbursements for lodging, meals, and mileage must be actual, reasonable and necessary. Payments must follow the guidelines of Section 4215, "Travel".  Regulations require the use of a Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher to itemize expenses.  The University does not submit the voucher for payment via Accounts Payable, but submits it to Payroll Services as supporting documentation to process with the regular semi-monthly payroll.

The employee must complete an Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary. Attach the summary with required receipts and detailed supporting documentation to the Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher.  Refer to Subsection .720, "Employee Moving and Relocation Expenditure Summary," for form preparation and submission instructions.

Moving and relocation regulations require the University to make third-party payments only to common carriers.  The University will pay the common carrier for transportation and temporary storage costs of the employee's household goods and personal effects.  James Madison University will make no other third-party payments for moving and relocation expenses.  The employee/department must complete an Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary and an Accounting Voucher.  Submit the summary and voucher, with original receipts and supporting documentation to Payroll Services.

.490 Approvals

Payroll Services reviews all moving and relocation payment requests before obtaining the approval signatures of the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee.

.500 Reimbursement Responsibilities

.510 Employee

• Obtains original receipts and other documents that are necessary to support all claims for reimbursement.
• Itemizes and submits multiple claims for reimbursement, if applicable (Employees should submit claims to the department as they receive invoices for individual expenses, not after they receive all invoices).
• Submits all claims for payment within thirty (30) days after moving into the new permanent residence, but never later than twelve (12) months after beginning employment at the new location.
• Submits actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses within the guidelines of these procedures.
• Files the required IRS forms with their tax return to receive a deduction for moving and relocation expenses, if applicable.
• Reimburses the University for moving and relocation payments (including amounts paid to third-party vendors) and any taxes deducted, if the employee terminates employment with James Madison University before the obligated one year of service.  Under these circumstances the University will adjust the employee's gross income for tax purposes for the total amount returned to the University.

.520 Department

• Maintains documentation that substantiates the reimbursement eligibility of a new employee as a condition of employment.
• Assists the employee with moving and relocation form(s) preparation.
• Approves moving and relocation payments and reimbursements charged to the department account.

.530 Payroll Services

• Reviews, approves, and properly files all documents for reimbursement or payment of moving and relocation expenses. Processes all documents for payment according to these procedures, State Regulations and the Code of Virginia, Section 2.1-223.3 and 14.1-5.1.
• Retains copies of the binding Employee Moving and Relocation Agreements and any other agreements for all eligible employees.
• Collects the total gross amount of all moving and relocation payments if an employee does not satisfy the terms of the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement. Prorates or waives repayment of reimbursements from the employee if properly approved. (The repayment amount includes all reimbursements paid to the employee and payments to third parties for the employee. The amount also includes all taxes deducted that relate to those reimbursements). Adjusts the employee's gross income to reflect the total amount received by the University.
• Insures that moving and relocation expense reimbursements and payments meet both employer withholding and employee reporting of gross income and applicable payroll taxes as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. (Refer to Subsection .800 "IRS Reporting," for additional information).

.600 Processing Procedures

This subsection provides detailed procedures for processing reimbursements to employees and payments to third parties for moving and relocation expenses.

.610 Reimbursement to Employee

Moving and relocation regulations require employees to submit the Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary form and original receipts with each claim for reimbursement or request for payment. Employees submitting claims should be aware of the payment status of each claim submitted.

.611 Employee/Originator

• Completes the Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary form, signs and attaches all original receipts.
• Attaches a copy of the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement to the initial summary.
• Consecutively numbers each form, when submitting more than one Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary form. Carries forward cumulative totals to the next summary report, so the latest summary reflects the total reimbursement to date.
• Completes a Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher for each reimbursement request submitted. Obtains the signature of the department's approving authority for the department shown on the voucher (This signature certifies that the total amount on the voucher is within the amount authorized for moving and relocation expenses and that funding is available in the account shown.).
• Forwards all forms and required attachments to Payroll Services.

.612 Department

• Acquires and maintains a copy of the signed Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement and any other documentation related to payment or reimbursement of moving and relocation expenses.
• Assists the employee with moving and relocation form(s) preparation.
• Approves reimbursement forms or payments when charged to the department account.

.613 Payroll Services

• Receives forms with required attachments from employee/department originator.
• Reviews and audits submitted forms and attachments for accuracy, reasonableness, and completeness.
• Submits payment requests that are in compliance and conformity with Commonwealth and University regulations and limitations.
• Submits the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement and the Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary forms to the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee, for signature.
• Determines the taxability of the approved reimbursement amount.
• Makes necessary entries to the University Payroll System to effect payment to the employee.
• Includes proper amounts on the employee's W-2 form and on the yearly report of moving and relocation reimbursements (IRS Form 4782).

.620 Payments to Third Parties

State Moving and Relocation regulations restrict third party payments to commercial moving companies. Regulations do not allow any other third-party payments.

.621 Employee/Originator

• Requests Payroll Services to issue a letter (if moving company requires confirmation) authorizing the moving company to bill James Madison University for moving and relocation costs.
• Prepares the Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary form.
• Obtains the signature of the department's approving authority for the department shown on the payment voucher or reimbursement document.
• Forwards all forms with original receipts and other supporting documentation to Payroll Services.

.622 Department

• Maintains a copy of the signed Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement and any other documentation related to third party payments and reimbursements to employees for moving and relocation expenses.
• Assists the employee with moving and relocation form(s) preparation.
• Approves reimbursement or payment requests when charged to the department ID number.
  NOTE: The signature certifies that the total amount is within the amount authorized for moving and relocation and funding is available in the account shown.

.623 Payroll Services

• If required by the common carrier, prepares a letter authorizing the moving company to bill James Madison University for transportation and associated costs.
• Receives all forms, copies of correspondence and required attachments, related to moving and relocation reimbursement or payment requests.
• Reviews and audits submitted forms and attachments for accuracy, reasonableness, and completeness of supporting documentation.
• Determines that submitted expenses are in compliance and conformity with Commonwealth and University regulations and limitations.
• Obtains appropriate signatures for the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement and the Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary forms.
• Forwards the audited payment package to the Office of Accounts Payable.
• Maintains a copy of the common carrier payment package submitted to the Office of Accounts Payable.

.624 Accounts Payable

• Receives audited payment-package from Payroll Services.
• Compares the payment amount to the authorized amount, if applicable.
• Processes payment package to effect payment and to record transactions in PeopleSoft Finance.

.700 Forms Preparation and Submission

.710 Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement

.711 Required

Any employee requesting reimbursement of moving and relocation expenses must execute this agreement before incurring any moving and relocation expenses.

.712 Where to Obtain Blank Forms

An electronic blank form is available ONLINE.

.713 Number of Copies

Complete one copy.

.714 Where to Send Completed Forms

Send original agreement to Payroll Services.

.715 Form Preparation Instructions

This subsection provides detailed instructions for preparation of the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement. Enter the following information only, leave all other areas blank.

	Offer Date:	Date the employee is offered moving and relocation. This date must be prior to any expenses being incurred.
	Employee Name:	The full name of the employee.
	Department:	The name of the department.
	Date:	Date employment begins.
	M&R Allowance Applicable:	Specify the dollar limit allowed by the department (not to exceed the state's maximum of $11,000.
	Employee:	The employee must sign in ink certifying to the terms of agreement.  Electronic signatures are not acceptable.
	Date:	Date the employee signs the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement.
	Agency:	The signature of the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee. (Payroll Services will get this signature after they have reviewed documents for correctness.)
	Date:	Date the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee, signs the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement.

.720 Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary

.721 Required

Moving and relocation regulations require this form to summarize employee moving and relocation expenses. The regulations also require a separate form for each reimbursement claim or payment to a third party.

.722 Where to Obtain Blank Forms

An electronic blank form is available available ONLINE.

.723 Number of Copies

Complete one copy.

.724 Where to Send Completed Forms

Send the original form to the department, who will forward the form to Payroll Services.

.725 Required Supporting Documents

Original receipts supporting the employee’s reimbursement request must accompany the Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary, along with a reimbursement/payment voucher.

.726 Form Preparation Instructions

This subsection provides detailed instructions for completing the Employee Moving and Relocation Expense Summary form. Enter the following information only; leave all other areas blank.

	FOR COMPLETION BY EMPLOYEE:
	Reimbursement Number:	Enter the next consecutive number for this summary report. For each reimbursement, a summary report must be completed and numbered in consecutive order.
	Is this the final reimbursement? Yes/No (Check One):	Check "yes" or "no" as appropriate, whether this is or is not the final summary report.
	Employee Name:	Enter the employee's full name.
	SSN/HR EmplID:	Enter the employee's individual social security number, or HR PeopleSoft EmplID (not STUDENT PeopleSoft EmplID).
	Address/City/State/Zip:	If known when completing this summary report, enter the address (Street, City, State, and Zip Code) of the employee's new residence.
	Date Employed:	Enter the effective date of the employee's assignment or transfer to the above agency at the new work location. Usually this is the first day of work at the new location.
	Date Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement Signed:	Enter the date that the employee signs the Employee Moving and Relocation Agreement.
	TYPE OF MOVING EXPENSE:	Enter information as described below.
	TOTAL THIS REPORT:	Enter the gross expenses being reimbursed for, in the appropriate category box on this expense summary.
	TOTAL ALL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS:	For each applicable category claimed on all prior summary submissions, enter the total gross amount claimed.
	CUMULATIVE TOTAL:	Add, "Total All Prior Reimbursements" to "Total This Report" for each category and enter the cumulative total. Carry the cumulative totals forward to the next summary report submitted, using the Total All Prior Reimbursement column.
	TAXABLE EXPENSES:
	Pre-move travel and lodging payments excluding meals:	Number of Trips/Number of Nights: Enter the number of house hunting trips and the associated number of overnight stays connected with this move. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Temporary quarters travel and lodging payments:	From/To: Enter the starting and ending dates of the temporary quarters period for reimbursement requested on this report. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Total meal payments for pre-move house hunting and temporary quarters:	Enter the meal expenses associated with travel from the old to the new home in the applicable columns.
	Total meal payments incurred during travel from the old to the new home:	Enter the meal expenses associated with travel from the old to the new home in the applicable columns.
	Qualified expenses of buying a new home:	Enter only those expenses listed as reimbursable in Subsection .418 "Home Purchase (TAXABLE)." Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Qualified expenses of selling an old home:	Enter only those expenses listed as reimbursable in Subsection .413 "Home Sale (TAXABLE)." Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Other payments (Specify on an attached sheet):	Enter any other payments that are subject to reimbursement per the guidelines set forth in this section, "Moving and Relocation." Specify these payments on a separate sheet and attach it to this form. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Storage:	Common Carrier, Dates: From/To: Enter the starting and ending dates of the common carrier storage services. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Storage:	Other than Common Carrier, Dates: From/To: Enter the starting and ending dates of the non-common carrier storage services. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Transportation:	Common Carrier: Enter the expenses for common carrier transportation of the employee's household goods and personal effects from the former principal residence to the new work location. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Transportation Other than Common Carrier:	Enter the expenses of a moving vehicle rental for the employee's household goods and personal effects from the former principal residence to the new work location. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	Travel and lodging payments excluding meals for the move from the old to the new home:	Enter the costs of travel and lodging payments, excluding meals, for the move from the old to the new home. Enter expenses in the applicable columns.
	FOR COMPLETION BY DEPARTMENT:
	GRAND TOTAL:	Enter the grand total of all moving and relocation expenses in the applicable columns.

	CERTIFICATION STATEMENTS:
	SIGNATURE OF EMPLOYEE:	The employee (listed in item 3) must sign in ink certifying that the information is correct and conforms to any James Madison University Moving and Relocation expense reimbursement agreement.
	DATE:	Date the employee signs the form.
	SIGNATURE OF Associate VICE PRESIDENT AND FINANCE:	Payroll Services will obtain the signature of the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee, after reviewing all documents for correctness.
	DATE:	Date the Associate Vice President for Finance, or Designee, signs the form.

.800 IRS Reporting

On December 22, President Trump signed H.R. 1, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, into law. Effective 2018, all M&R expenses previously considered non-taxable will now be TAXABLE.

Under this new tax law, the University must add reimbursement of/paid moving expenses to the employee's W-2 tax withholding statement as taxable income. Appropriate Federal and State income taxes are withheld.

.900 Summary of Moving and Relocation Expense Reimbursement Limitations

Total Reimbursement – $11,000

Moving and relocation regulations limit maximum reimbursement to $11,000. This limit excludes the costs of common carrier transportation, and storage of household goods and personal effects.

House–hunting Expenses

House hunting expenses are subject to State Travel regulations limits (Refer to Section 4215, "Travel") for meals and lodging. The maximum reimbursement of $11,000 includes house–hunting expenses.

Temporary Quarters

Expenses for temporary quarters are subject to limits documented in State Travel regulations (Refer to Section 4215, "Travel") for meals and lodging. The maximum reimbursement of $11,000 includes temporary quarters expenses.

Home Sale

The maximum reimbursement of $11,000 includes qualified home sale expenses.

Transportation of Household Goods and Personal Effects

Moving and relocation regulations allow the actual cost of transporting household goods and personal effects if the new employee uses common carrier transportation. The regulations allow actual costs beyond the maximum reimbursement of $11,000.

Purchase of Moving Supplies – $500

Maximum reimbursement of $11,000 includes the cost of moving supplies.

Labor Used During Move – $250

Maximum reimbursement of $11,000 includes labor used during the move.

Storage of Household Goods and Personal Effects – Maximum of 30 days.

In–transit storage of household goods is reimbursable. Regulations allow the actual costs beyond the maximum reimbursement of $11,000.

Home Purchase

The maximum reimbursement of $11,000 includes qualified home purchase expenses.