What qualifies as a vanpool?
Per IRS regulations, a vanpool refers to a commuter highway vehicle, which is any highway vehicle with: A seating capacity of at least six (6) adults (excluding the driver) At least eighty percent (80%) of the mileage for a year is reasonably expected to be used: For purposes of transporting employees in connection with travel […]
Can I use the funds in my commuter benefit account for bike sharing services?
The short answer is no. Bike sharing services are not an eligible expense. While bike sharing services promote a healthy lifestyle, they are not an eligible expense under a Mass Transit Account or Parking Account. Commuter Benefits are permitted and governed under Section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code. It indicates that pre-tax deductions can […]
How do I activate my card?
You have two options to activate your card. Option 1: Activate your card by calling the phone number on the back of your card. Option 2: Activate your card online when you log in to your BRIWEB account using your Login ID and password. If you are logging in for the first time, you will […]
What happens to CBP funds at the end of the year?
Commuter Benefit Plans are a monthly benefit and unused balances will automatically roll from month to month. There is no “use-it-or-lose-it” with a CBP at the end of the year. Additionally, there is no requirement to re-enroll each year. Elections will automatically roll until you request a change. If you are submitting a claim for […]
When can I change my CBP elections?
Commuter Benefit Plans are a monthly benefit. You can make separate mass transit and parking elections (if permitted by your employer). CBP election changes can generally be made once per month. Please confirm with your employer or review your CBP Plan Specifications for additional details and monthly cut-off dates. Any unused funds will automatically roll […]
How much can I set aside in a Mass Transit Account on a tax-free basis each month?
Your maximum tax-free election for qualified mass transit expenses, as set by the IRS, is: $280/month for 2022 $270/month for 2021 $270/month for 2020 $265/month for 2019
What is Revenue Ruling 2014-32?
The IRS released Revenue Ruling 2014-32 amending the rules governing commuter benefit plans. The ruling recognizes terminal restricted benefits cards, like the Beniversal Card and eTRAC, as a widely accepted and available means to offer transportation benefits. The ruling further indicates that due to the changes in the market and purchasing options available to participants, […]
Can I submit claims for mass transit expenses I pay out of pocket?
In accordance with IRS Ruling 2014-32, effective January 1, 2016, you will no longer be permitted to submit mass transit claims for expenses that were paid out of pocket. You can continue to submit claims for parking and vanpool expenses. Vanpool expenses will require a receipt or documentation to verify that the expense is eligible. Note […]
Can I receive a reimbursement for mass transit expenses if there is a delay in receiving my card or funding?
Effective January 1, 2016, the IRS rules regarding mass transit expenses changed. The regulations indicate that if a transportation benefits card is readily available, you are not permitted to receive a reimbursement for mass transit expenses. Additionally, because mass transit elections roll into the next benefit month, funds are not lost and therefore you are not permitted […]
Why are my claims for mass transit expenses being denied?
As of January 1, 2016, the IRS amended the rules governing commuter benefit plans and no longer permits claim reimbursement for mass transit expenses.
My employer offers cash reimbursement for mass transit expenses, is this permitted?
Employers are no longer permitted to offer cash reimbursement as of January 1, 2016. If an employer continues to offer cash reimbursement, the value of the benefit will be taxable to employees and included in gross income. Employers can continue to self-administer a commuter benefit program but must follow the updated guidance in Revenue Ruling […]
I am enrolled in a vanpool, which does not accept debit/credit payments. Can I still submit a claim?
Since vanpools may not accept debit /credit payments, claims will still be accepted but must also include a receipt or documentation of the expense to certify it is an eligible expense. Note that at this time, the updated UberX Share and Lyft Share Rides programs no longer meet the IRS requirements for a Commuter Benefit […]
Am I able to submit claims for parking expenses?
Parking expenses can be submitted for reimbursement either online or through the BRiMobile app. If you have a receipt, you are encouraged to provide it. However, if no receipt was provided, you can self-certify that the expense was eligible. You are able to claim up to the pre-tax parking limit each month for parking expenses.
I no longer have my Beniversal / eTRAC Card, how do I get a new one?
If you need to request a new or replacement card, you can do so by logging into your online portal. Under your profile tab, please request to replace your card. If you require further assistance, please contact us at (800) 473-9595, M-F, 8 am-8 pm (Eastern Time). Please see your Cardholder Agreement for more information.
How do I use my Beniversal / eTRAC Card for mass transit expenses?
Virtually all mass transit vendors across the United States accept debit/credit payments. For in-person transactions, simply use your Beniversal or eTRAC Card as the payment method for your expense. For online purchases or recurring expenses, you will enter your 16-digit card number, expiration date and CVV number when prompted for payment.
What is the risk of offering cash reimbursement for commuter benefits?
If cash reimbursement is offered for mass transit expenses after January 1, 2016, the benefit will be taxable to employees and will need to be included in gross income.
My transit expense exceeds the pre-tax limit. What do I do?
If allowed by your employer, your mass transit election should be equal to the full cost of your mass transit expense. Any amount above the pre-tax limit will be taken on a post-tax basis. The full cost will be deducted from payroll and the value added to your Beniversal / eTRAC Card, which will ensure […]
What local commuter benefit ordinances exist?
There are a number of commuter benefit ordinances that exist throughout the country. Please check with your local authorities regarding any local ordinances that may affect your benefit offerings. Here is a brief summary of the major metropolitan areas that have ordinances in place or becoming effective soon. New York City Effective January 1, 2016, every […]
What are some reasons my Card might not work at the point-of-sale?
Your card has not been activated. Your balance is less than the full expense. You attempted to purchase items that are not eligible under your plan. The merchant is not registered in an eligible network. The merchant is having technical problems. The home address you gave the merchant did not match the address on file […]
What if I lose my card or need another one?
To minimize unauthorized use of your card, be sure to report a lost card immediately by calling Benefit Resource at (800) 473-9595 or logging on to BRIWEB and clicking “View Card Status.” You can request replacement cards through the same process.
Do I need a new Beniversal Card each plan year?
No. As long as you continue to participate in an active plan from Benefit Resource, you can continue using your card through the expiration date on the card. Any new elections will be loaded on your card at the beginning of each new Plan Year.
If I become ineligible (including termination of employment) to participate in the plan, what happens to the balances in my mass transit and/or parking account?
Account balances will be available via your card through the end of the month following your last month of employment. Refer to your Plan Specifications for additional information.
What if my card is lost or stolen?
You can request a new card in under a minute by logging in to your account on BRIWeb and selecting the “Report Lost/Stolen” button in the Card Status section. How to Login: Login by selecting “Employees” from the dropdown menu under the yellow Login button on www.BenefitResource.com. When you login, your account dashboard will show […]
What if my expense is more than the amount available in my account?
Ask the merchant if they can process the transaction for the exact amount available on your card and then pay for the remaining amount with a separate form of payment. If the merchant is unable to process a partial payment from the card, you will need to pay the entire amount with another form of […]
