New Bike Commuter Act or whatever it's called

[Aint Doody]

Well, but there was something on RBR about a debit card account that could be set up for the commuters to use for new helmet, light, whatever. I just can't see how this will all shake out. I respect Blumenauer and applaud him for his efforts, but you'd think there'd be an actual plan in place. I really hate to pay our CPA for the time to research this and set it up if there's not yet a model of some sort in place. I'm guessing there's not.

[7rider]

I did a search on "Bicycle Commuter Act" and came up with a bunch of stuff, including this, which provides some links to LAB and LOC/Thomas' sites. It sounds like the IRS doesn't yet have provisions in place (well...as of October) on how to implement it. I would hope something would be in place for the end of the tax year, but we'll see.
The Act itself is Section 211 of HR 1424.

[Aint Doody]

Our CPA and I have done some more looking. There is no incentive for a business to implement this. It is a reimbursement for the commuter of up to $20/mo to be paid out as the company chooses--monthly, quarterly, yearly. Then the company gets a credit that would be equal to what the payroll taxes are on the $20/mo--not very much. So despite it sounding wonderful, it does appear to be a rather useless act. Bummer!

[Biciclista]

my very large company is planning on doing this. each carpooler, bus commuter or cyclist "counts" somewhere somehow otherwise I know they wouldn't care.

Right now they are scrambling to come up with a plan and as soon as I know I will let you guys know too.