FAQ - Commuter Check Office
What are Commuter Checks?
Commuter Checks are vouchers used to pay for public transit or vanpooling.
How do I get them?
Through your employer. Your employer buys them and either gives them to you free of charge as an employee benefit, or allows you to purchase them using a pre-tax payroll deduction. A combined employer/employee paid program is also possible.
How does the pre-tax payroll deduction work?
The amount that you spend on transit or vanpooling, up to $115 a month, or up to $220 a month for parking, can be deducted from your paycheck before taxes. The money deducted is used by your employer to purchase the Commuter Checks and/or Commuter Check for Parking. Your yearly taxable income is reduced by the value of vouchers you purchase. The maximum yearly tax savings is up to $500 for transit and up to $1000 for parking, depending on your tax bracket.
Participation in the Commuter Check program also saves your employer money as it reduces the amount of payroll tax and other payroll-related costs. They normally save about $115 per employee annually, and often more.
What is the maximum amount I can receive from my employer?
$115 per month, not to exceed $1,380 per year for transit, and $220 per month, not to exceed $2,640 per year for parking.
Can they be used for bridge and highway tolls?
No. The tax code restricts the use of this money to public transportation, vanpools and qualified parking.
Does my company participate in Commuter Check?
Contact your human resources representative to find out whether your company participates. If you would like to send your employer a letter regarding the benefits of the program, click here for our employee toolkit.
Does my transit operator accept Commuter Check?
Most transit operators (or their authorized sales outlets) in the regions that offer Commuter Check accept the vouchers. Keep in mind that Commuter Checks cannot be used to pay fare directly; they are used to buy monthly passes, ticket books, and tokens. If your operator does not participate, call us at 800.531.2828.and we will contact them to enroll.
Is Commuter Check also valid on vanpools?
Yes. If you are currently riding in a vanpool, talk to your vanpool driver. Chances are there is someone in your van already using Commuter Check. If the driver is unfamiliar with Commuter Check and you ride in a VPSI or Enterprise van, explain that they can be used as part of a lease payment. If they are an independent vanpool operator, they can also accept Commuter Checks; if the driver needs assistance he or she should call us at 800.531.2828.
Where can I redeem Commuter Checks to buy my transit tickets?
In addition to transit agency operated ticket windows, most other outlets that sell local transit tickets also accept Commuter Check. Contact your local transit operator for a complete list of locations as these are updated frequently.
Can I buy them for myself?
No, your company must participate in the program. If you would like your company to participate in the program, click here to explore ways to educate your employer on the benefits with our employee toolkit.
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