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FAQ - The State of New Jersey Commuter Tax Savings Program (Commuter Tax$ave)
- What is the State of New Jersey Commuter Tax Savings Program?
The State of New Jersey Commuter Tax Savings Program (Commuter Tax$ave) is a program available under code 132(f) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code. The plan allows employees to set aside pretax dollars for eligible mass transit and commuter parking expenses. The pretax dollars are not subject to Federal Income, Social Security and Medicare taxes, thereby saving you money.
- Who is eligible to participate in this program?
Regularly appointed full-time employees who are eligible to participate in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) are eligible to enroll in the program. Part-time employees are not eligible to participate in the program.
- How much can I contribute to the Commuter Tax$ave Program?
The Commuter Tax$ave program consists of two separate components. For 2008, the program allows participants to elect up to $115 per month for mass transit expenses and up to $220 per month for commuter parking expenses. The minimum deduction amount is $15 for each plan.
- What are eligible expenses?
Mass transit expenses incurred to and from work for:- Mass transit including train, bus, ferry and vanpool
- Park and Ride sites and commuter parking expenses
- What expenses are not eligible?
Expenses incurred by taxi, car pool, private car, tolls (including EZ Pass) and commuting cost of dependents.
- How is the Commuter Tax$ave program different from the Rutgers Mass Transit Commutation Reimbursement Program?
The Commuter Tax$ave program is administered by TransitCenter which delivers the benefits in the form of tickets, payments cards or vouchers for mass transit. Under the Rutgers plan, an employee submits documentation for reimbursement. The Tax$ave Commuter program does not require an employee to submit claims for reimbursement; you prepay for mass transit services that are mailed to your home.
- When can I enroll in the Commuter Tax$ave Program?
- TransitCenter has a monthly enrollment schedule. You may enroll during any of the monthly enrollment periods.
- TransitCenter has a monthly enrollment schedule. You may enroll during any of the monthly enrollment periods.
- How do I enroll in the Commuter Tax$ave Program?
An eligible employee may enroll online via the secure TransitCenter website. You may also call the toll-free enrollment service at 866-823-3248 to enroll in the program.
- Can I change or cancel my election?
Yes, you may change or cancel your election by calling TransitCenter at 877-440-4407 or if you have enrolled online, you may view and change your account via the secure TransitCenter website.
- What is the maximum dollar amount that I can have on my Commuter Tax$save debit cardt?
The TransitCheck Program has established a maximum account balance of $1,500 for the QuickPay card in an effort to reduce the risk of employees forfeiting unused pretax dollars.
Effective January 16, 2008, TransitCenter will notify employees if their account balance reaches $1,000 by sending a letter recommending that the employee evaluate his or her current levels of deductions and expenses. If the employee's account balance reaches $1,200, TransitCenter will automatically track the account and send the employee a second letter. If the employee's account balance reaches $1,500, TransitCenter will not place additional funds on the employee's debit card until the balance is spent down comparable with ongoing deductions.
- How can I receive additional information about the program?
Additional information about the Commuter Tax$ave Program is available online on the TransitCenter website. You may also call TransitCenter at 800-576-1171.
