These FAQs should answer most of your questions, but if there is something more you want to know you can always contact us for more information.
How many employees do I need to enroll? Are there minimums?
How many employees do I need to enroll? Are there minimums?
There are no minimums required for the TransitChek® program. The TransitChek®.
What are the monthly tax-free IRS allowable limits for commuter benefits?
What are the monthly tax-free IRS allowable limits for commuter benefits?
The monthly tax-free allowable limits for 2022 are as follows:
Transit and eligible vanpooling: $315
Qualified Commuter Parking: $315
How does my company get started with the TransitChek Program?
How does my company get started with the TransitChek Program?
You can get started by calling us at 1.866.855.8908 and a Benefits Specialist will guide you through the different programs available to your company and employees.
What is the maximum my employees can deduct?
What is the maximum my employees can deduct?
Employees may set aside a portion of their pre-tax salary up to the monthly IRS allowable limits every month.
How do employees pay for their benefit?
How do employees pay for their benefit?
Employees pay for their transit and qualified commuter parking through periodic pre-tax payroll deductions.
Commuter Benefits are exempt from what taxes?
Commuter Benefits are exempt from what taxes?
The value of Commuter Benefits that do not exceed the monthly tax-free IRS allowable limits are excluded from gross income for federal tax purposes, as well as for state tax purposes in most states. Please consult with your payroll department and/or tax advisor for further details.
How much can my employees save with a TransitChek program?
How much can my employees save with a TransitChek program?
Employees can save up to 40% of their commuting costs, depending on individual circumstances.
What commuter products do you offer?
What commuter products do you offer?
As an innovator in the commuter benefits category we have a wide array of products to fit your needs. Get more information about each of our commuter products.
What parking products do you offer?
What parking products do you offer?
We offer the TransitChek® Parking Card, a prepaid Visa® Card.
What commuter benefits can you provide employees with special needs who use paratransit services?
What commuter benefits can you provide employees with special needs who use paratransit services?
Providing commuter benefits for all employees is important to us. Our TransitChek Program includes benefits for those commuters using paratransit services which, by law, are available by transit systems nationwide. We can provide regional paratransit passes, such as the coupons used by the New York City MTA's Access-A-Ride program that have been purchased with pre-tax dollars.
What are the monthly tax-free IRS allowable limits for commuter benefits?
What are the monthly tax-free IRS allowable limits for commuter benefits?
The monthly tax-free allowable limits for 2022 are as follows:
Transit and eligible vanpooling: $315
Qualified Commuter Parking: $315
Can I order extra TransitChek® products for use by family members and friends?
Can I order extra TransitChek® products for use by family members and friends?
Yes. The TransitChek® benefit for transit can be shared with family members and friends as long as it is provided to you as a TransitChek program participant and within current IRS monthly limits. TransitChek benefits can also be used for transit trips other than between work and home, for example – taking mass transit to get to places over the weekend. This expanded use of TransitChek benefits does NOT apply to commuter parking benefits.
How do I get my company to start offering a TransitChek® program?
How do I get my company to start offering a TransitChek® program?
Many of the companies we serve started offering our TransitChek® program because employees like you asked for it. With our help, you can notify your employer about TransitChek benefits as well as download commuter benefits materials that you can pass on to your benefits administrator.
How does paying for my commute with pretax dollars save me money?
How does paying for my commute with pretax dollars save me money?
Paying with pre-tax dollars means that you pay for your commute before federal taxes are taken out of your paycheck by your employer. Depending on where you live, you may also save on state and local taxes too. Paying this way usually decreases the amount of the taxes that are normally taken out of your paycheck.
What public transportation services do commuter benefits cover?
What public transportation services do commuter benefits cover?
The TransitChek® program allow you to use tax-free dollars toward commuting on most public transportation services such as subways, buses, ferries, commuter rail and vanpools. Keep in mind that you can also save on qualified commuter parking.
Can I use my benefit for other commuting expenses like tolls and gas?
Can I use my benefit for other commuting expenses like tolls and gas?
No. Benefits may not be used for tolls, gas, or other driving-related expenses.
What are park & ride tax benefits?
What are park & ride tax benefits?
Park and ride benefits cover the cost of parking at a facility from which you commute to work by transit. For example, if you drive to a railroad station and pay to park at the station parking lot or at a privately owned parking lot adjacent to the railroad station, you may set aside up to the monthly IRS allowable limit for parking, pretax, from your monthly salary to cover this parking expense.
Can I get the commuter tax benefit if my employer doesn't offer it?
Can I get the commuter tax benefit if my employer doesn't offer it?
No, your employer must offer this voluntary benefit program in order for employees to save. But, there are valuable tax savings that employers will also receive if they let employees participate in a TransitChek® Program. To ask your company to offer this program click here.
How can I find out my order status?
How can I find out my order status?
Orders ship within 7-10 business days after receipt of payment. If you have not received an email confirmation within 5 business days from payment date, contact Customer Service at 1.800.945.CHEK (2435), Monday — Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
What are my payment options? Can I use a credit card?
What are my payment options? Can I use a credit card?
TransitChek accepts eCheck/ACH, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, wire transfer and checks (Company Check, Certified Check, Bank Check, Money Order.) If paying by credit or debit card, additional fees may apply. If paying by check, please make payable to "TransitChek".
How can I expedite an order?
Please call Customer Service before you send in an order to inquire about expediting your order.
How can I change an order?
TransitChek product orders are received directly at our bank and processed, so we may not be able to change them. Please call Customer Service for assistance.
Can I pick up my order?
An order cannot be picked up. All orders are mailed from our distribution center.
How many cards can I order at one time? Are any minimum quantities required?
How many cards can I order at one time? Are any minimum quantities required?
As with all TransitChek products, there are no minimum quantities required. You can order as many TransitChek Cards as you like. TransitChek Cards are valid for one year.
What do I do with expired or damaged TransitChek Card and TransitChek Parking Card products?
What do I do with expired or damaged TransitChek Card and TransitChek Parking Card products?
Expired TransitChek® Card and TransitChek® Parking Cards cannot be returned or refunded. Damaged Cards may be returned through the employer, and the employer will receive credit.
How can I order? Can I order online? By telephone?
How can I order? Can I order online? By telephone?
You can order, keep track of orders and conveniently re-order TransitChek products through the TransitChek online ordering system. Payment can be made via check, wire, eCheck/ACH, or credit cards.
What if an employee loses or damages their TransitChek® Voucher benefit?
What if an employee loses or damages their TransitChek® Voucher benefit?
Under the TransitChek® program, lost or stolen vouchers are not replaceable. Damaged vouchers may be returned through the employer, and the employer will receive credit.
What should I do after receiving my order?
What should I do after receiving my order?
When you receive an order from TransitChek, please check it immediately. All orders are sent with a shipping summary so you can verify its contents. Please call Customer Service within 24 hours if you find any discrepancies. You can distribute benefits products to your employees upon receipt.
How are TransitChek® benefit products delivered? What are my options?
How are TransitChek® benefit products delivered? What are my options?
TransitChek® orders are shipped via UPS 2nd day or Overnight delivery,depending on shipping speed selected during the onlineordering process.
Can I use TransitChek Vouchers for MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and MTA Metro-North Railroad (MNRR)?
While NJ TRANSIT and other services continue to accept TransitChek® Vouchers, LIRR and Metro-North no longer accepts transit benefit vouchers—from any provider as payment—including the TransitChek® Voucher. If you have employees who have previously used vouchers for LIRR and Metro-North, you should provide them with an alternate TransitChek product, such as the TransitChek® Card, a prepaid Visa® card that is preloaded with benefit funds. Read more about the TransitChek® Card. For employees participating in the Mail&Ride program, Mail&Ride accounts can be directly funded with transit benefits using the TransitChek Online Ordering System.
What about a lost or damaged TransitChek® MetroCard®?
What about a lost or damaged TransitChek® MetroCard®?
Under the TransitChek® Program a lost or stolen MetroCard® cannot be replaced. A damaged MetroCard must be mailed to NYC Transit. A pre-addressed postage-paid envelope with a questionnaire can be obtained at station booths.
What do I do with expired or damaged TransitChek® MetroCard® products?
What do I do with expired or damaged TransitChek® MetroCard® products?
Only unused, unopened TransitChek® Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard® and TransitChek® Unlimited MetroCard® products may be returned for a credit to a TransitChek account. Any Card returned for a credit must be in its original, sealed plastic wrapper and cannot be more than two years past expiration. Employees should return all unopened TransitChek MetroCard® products directly to the program administrator. Employees who have opened and/or damaged TransitChek MetroCard® products should return them to MTA-NYC Transit. A pre-addressed postage-paid envelope and questionnaire can be obtained at station booths.
Where can my employees use TransitChek® Vouchers to purchase a MetroCard® in the New York area?
Where can my employees use TransitChek® Vouchers to purchase a MetroCard® in the New York area?
TransitChek® Vouchers are accepted by many retailers throughout the five boroughs and in Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey, including most Hudson News and Western Union locations.
I am providing the TransitChek Program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Where can I find out more information about replacements and refunds of the San Francisco Muni 7 Day Passport and the BART High Value Ticket?
Information about the 7-Day Passport can be found by visiting the San Francisco Muni site here. And for the BART High Value Ticket, click here. To learn more about commuting by transit in the San Francisco Bay area visit 511.org.
What is the TransitChek Parking Card?
What is the TransitChek Parking Card?
The TransitChek® Parking Card, a prepaid Visa® card, is an anonymous card, which reimburses you with pre-tax dollars to be used for your daily or monthly qualified commuter parking expenses, up to the current IRS monthly limit. The Card can be used at participating parking facilities.
What is the monthly maximum amount that I can use toward my parking costs?
What is the monthly maximum amount that I can use toward my parking costs?
The TransitChek® Parking Card allows you to use up to the monthly IRS allowable limits for qualified parking costs, which is currently $315 per month.
What is considered qualified commuter parking?
What is considered qualified commuter parking?
Qualified commuter parking is considered parking at or near your place of work or at or near a location from which you commute to work by mass transit, vanpool or carpool.
How do I receive the TransitChek® Parking Card?
How do I receive the TransitChek® Parking Card?
Check to see if your employer offers the parking benefit. You will need to complete and submit the TransitChek® Commuter Parking Employee Enrollment Form to your HR administrator. You will need to submit parking receipt(s) after the first full month along with the one-time TransitChek Commuter Parking Reimbursement Form. You will also need to complete an annual recertification. Once your HR administrator receives a completed Enrollment Form, they can place the order. Once the order has been received, and you have completed the appropriate documentation, your employer can distribute the TransitChek® Parking Card to you.
What denominations are available for the TransitChek® Parking Card?
What denominations are available for the TransitChek® Parking Card?
The TransitChek® Parking Cards are available to order in flexible denominations. The total Card value cannot exceed the IRS limit of $280/month.
Can I use the TransitChek® Parking Card for parking near my home on business trips or on weekends?
Can I use the TransitChek® Parking Card for parking near my home on business trips or on weekends?
No. Qualified commuter parking is defined as parking at or near your place of work or at or near the location from which you commute to work by mass transit, vanpool or carpool.
If I pay semi-annually or annually, can I use the TransitChek® Parking Card?
If I pay semi-annually or annually, can I use the TransitChek® Parking Card?
We do not recommend that the Card be used in that manner. The Card is designed to be an easy and convenient way to pay for parking on a monthly or daily basis.
What if I have a balance on my Card from last month's parking?
What if I have a balance on my Card from last month's parking?
You can transfer balances from one TransitChek® Parking Card to another. Balance transfers can be made at https://tccard.transitchek.com.
Note: Please be aware that unused funds on an expired Card cannot be returned. Make sure to manage your benefit carefully. Please also note that you should not have unused funds on the Card. This is a reimbursement program and if you have excess funds, you must adjust your benefit for future months; failure to do so may expose you to certain tax liabilities including fines and penalties.
Can I enroll for the parking benefit only?
Can I enroll for the parking benefit only?
Yes. Even if you drive to your place of employment and park nearby you can save money each month.
How do I add funds to the TransitChek® Parking Card from a personal credit or debit card?
How do I add funds to the TransitChek® Parking Card from a personal credit or debit card?
You will need to create a cardholder account to log in at https://tccard.transitchek.com. During the user registration process, some personal information is collected. After logging in, simply go to the "Add Value" tab and follow the simple instructions on screen. There is a $600 maximum that can be held on the Card.
What happens if my TransitChek® Parking Card is lost or stolen?
What happens if my TransitChek® Parking Card is lost or stolen?
TransitChek can only replace lost or stolen cards that have been previously registered by adding value to the parking card using a personal debit or credit card.
Is there a limit to how many times I can add funds?
Is there a limit to how many times I can add funds?
Yes. You can add funds to a single card up to one(1) time from a personal credit or debit card.
How do I know how much value is on a TransitChek® Parking Card?
How do I know how much value is on a TransitChek® Parking Card?
The initial value of the TransitChek® Card is embossed on the front of the Card. As you begin using the TransitChek® Card® you can check your balance by visiting https://tccard.transitchek.com or by calling 1.888.288.CHEK (2345).
What if my monthly parking cost changes?
What if my monthly parking cost changes?
You will need to complete a new TransitChek Commuter Parking Reimbursement Form and submit receipt(s) for one full calendar month.
Can I use the TransitChek® Parking Card for gas and tolls including E-Z Pass?
Can I use the TransitChek® Parking Card for gas and tolls including E-Z Pass?
No. The Card may only be used for qualified parking.
What are your Customer Service hours?
What are your Customer Service hours?
Customer Service is available via telephone at 800- 945-CHEK (2435). Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST.
Can TransitChek® Vouchers be stopped or cancelled?
Can TransitChek® Vouchers be stopped or cancelled?
No, there is no way to stop or cancel a Voucher.
Tip
How your company can save even more with TransitChek programs.
Because TransitChek commuter benefits are a pre-tax benefits program, the more your staff takes advantage of commuter benefits, the more your company saves on payroll taxes. So one way to save even more is by increasing the number of employees enrolled in the TransitChek program.
Make sure your colleagues know how much they could save on transit and qualified parking. Since the more they participate, the more your company saves, too.