Tax Benefit For Commuters Extended

The following article appears in NJ Transit’s FYI Customer Update, February 2011:

Congress has continued the $230 monthly pre-tax commuter transit benefit allowance through Dec. 31, 2011.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the pre-tax payroll deduction limit for transit was increased to $230 per month on March 1, 2009, while maintaining the existing $230 limit for parking expenses.

Through commuter tax benefits, employees save on income taxes when they use pre-tax salary toward their mass transit commute and/or qualifying parking benefit. Employers also save on payroll taxes for each participating employee by lowering payroll costs. To find out how you can participate, visit www.njtransit.com/taxbenefits.

The extension of the commuter tax benefit was part of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 passed by Congress on December 16, 2010.

LIHEAP Action Day – February 9, 2011

Today is LIHEAP Action Day. Join with others to press Congress for at least $5.1 billion in federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Fiscal Year 2012. For a list of local energy assistance organizations and fuel funds visit NJ Community Resources list of energy organizations. You may also wish to make a contribution to New Jersey’s fuel fund – New Jersey SHARES. See their website for details.