For a relocation specialist you will probably have to go to a corporation. Most of these corporate companies will offer a range of uses in their chosen specialty. There are many benefits to using a corporate specialist since they will have their own range of lawyers to take care of taxes and misconduct.
Many large employers will contract out the entire employee relocation services program to a third party relocation management company, which will, in turn, manage relationships with the movers, real estate agents, appraisers, and other service subcontractors. Inside supply management outlined traditional corporate motives for using a third party relocation provider.
Beyond the general benefits of outsourcing, such as time savings and ability to focus on core competencies, there are other advantages of using outsourced relocation services. Assistance when creating or revising the organization’s relocation policies should be offered. Enforcement of policies when confronted with unreasonable requests, the outsourced provider can be the gatekeeper and ensure that policies are consistently applied and that the program is equitable for all employees. They should also offer better service to employees so that the provider serves as a point of contact for relocating employees to get assistance quickly. Better property management for a relocation provider that can move property faster and at a lower cost than the organization itself can.
Due to increased regulatory scrutiny mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the paperwork aspects of an employer assisted relocation have become as important as the operational process of moving. Many relocation costs paid by an employer are considered taxable income under U.S. Tax Code and some state income tax laws. To offset this burden to transferring employees, the employer will usually reimburse them for the tax they will have to pay for the services. Of course, the reimbursements are also taxable, so the employer will gross up the reimbursement amount to cover that tax cost as well.
Some transferring employees are covered by a lump sum relocation benefit policy, usually for less senior employees. The employer gives the employee a predetermined amount of money, usually taxable as personal income, to pay for a relocation but takes no other supportive role.