Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Duppie on October 29, 2013 at 2:44am

Do car-share programs qualify?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michelle on October 29, 2013 at 4:31am

I guess that's the letter of the law, but they certainly don't seem to have a problem letting me purchase an unlimited CTA pass tax free - what's the difference really?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 29, 2013 at 4:31am

Couldn't you use the Bike Commuter tax benefit?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Reboot Oxnard on October 29, 2013 at 6:15am

Sort of. Van pooling can qualify but sharing a ride with a couple of friends probably won't.

Duppie said:

Do car-share programs qualify?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Reboot Oxnard on October 29, 2013 at 6:48am

I don't know where you got your numbers but they don't jibe with my experience or what the CTA and Metra are signing people up for. Basically, you can receive up to $2940.00 each year in non-taxable transit benefits; how much that saves you on your taxes is determined by your tax rate but that works out to a lot more than $29.70 a year. If you're in a 25% tax bracket, the max benefit of $2940 is worth about $1000 in tax savings each year.

RTA/CTA Transit Benefit Fare Program

Cameron 7.5 mi said:

If you follow the letter of the law, transit vouchers can only be used for going to/from work. Since bikes share programs can be used at all times to go anywhere, this ruling would seem to at least seem consistent. Before getting too worked up, lets remember that we're talking about saving the highest wage earners $29.70 per year and the rest of use somewhere between $7.50 and $29.70 per year.

• ▶ Reply