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Review of 2012 W-2s Necessary After Fiscal Cliff Deal Increases Transit Benefits

A provision in the fiscal cliff deal has increased the monthly limitation regarding the fringe benefit exclusion amount for transit passes and transportation in a commuter highway vehicle from $240 to $245 for the 2013 tax year.  The legislation also allows for a retroactive increase to include tax year 2012.  As a result, the 2012 exclusion amount was increased from the $125 limit that had previously been established to the new $245 limit. Employers that have not furnished Forms W-2 for tax year 2012 should take into account the increased exclusion amount when calculating the amount of wages reported on Forms W-2.  Employers that have already filed 2012 Forms W-2 will need to file Forms W-2c, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement, to take into account the increased exclusion for transit benefits. Additional guidance to help employers calculate the amount of wages reported on Forms W-2  can be found on the IRS website.