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The following transit options are eligible for commuter benefits, according to the IRS. Some cities or states could have a slightly different list of eligible transit options.

Commuter benefits do not expire. However, there are several different outcomes for unused commuter benefits.

It’s true, morning commutes to work can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. There are ways to make it a form of self-care and disconnect from the world around you. Whether it’s listening to your favorite podcast or turning on an educational video, there are plenty of ways to connect with yourself while you’re commuting to work.

Under normal circumstances, commuter benefits are not reported on your W-2. If you opt-in for commuter benefits, the money is deducted from your paycheck and placed in whatever transportation accounts you use (parking, mass transit, rideshare, etc.). The money is deducted on a pre-tax basis. There’s no W-2 or tax return reporting if your payroll deduction does not exceed the monthly maximum mandated by the IRS.

When pre-tax benefits are used for medical expenses, the IRS requires that every expense from an HRA or FSA be substantiated. The expenses are often substantiated automatically because a system is set up to verify most expenses. However, sometimes an expense can’t be verified. That’s when someone can be asked to provide a benefit substantiation.

Today’s job market is competitive, and now more than ever job applicants are putting a heavy emphasis on benefits. Working for a company that provides the basics such as healthcare and retirement is one thing, but a company that invests in their employees’ lifestyles and promotes productivity is priceless.

Micromobility, defined as transportation that uses lightweight vehicles such as bicycles or scooters, is already the norm in some of the largest cities in the world. Making micromobility vehicles accessible through renting, leasing, or purchasing gives commuters another alternative to driving.

In our post-pandemic world, community is more important than ever. After spending the better part of two years apart, people are ready to be together again – to work together and play together.

Benefit packages are no longer an afterthought when it comes to employee compensation. Today’s workforce expects more than just traditional health insurance; they expect tools that will help their overall financial situation. And in today’s ever-competitive labor market, companies must understand this and offer benefits accordingly.

There’s nothing like a global pandemic to spark people’s interest in wellness and self-care. And while terms like these might feel like the topic du jour, there are some practical reasons to build wellness into your corporate culture.