Friday, January 8, 2016

Parking & Transit Maximums and FSA & HSA Maximums for 2016

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 was recently passed and takes effect as of January 1, 2016. As a part of that bill, the monthly maximum tax exclusion for both transit AND parking allowances will be equal at $255.00/month. This Act also retroactively increases the maximums for 2015 from $130 to $250.

Employers should note the Federal maximum for transit pre-tax benefits is $255.00/month, but the state of Massachusetts is keeping the maximum transit pre-tax benefit at $130.00/month.  Employees will still be able to elect up to the $255.00/month amount, but employers will have to setup and process the Federal and State tax differently in their payroll system.  For Federal, employees can elect up to $255.00 pre-tax, but for Massachusetts the maximum pre-tax amount can only be $130.00.  Elected amounts from $130-$255 for Massachusetts will need to be treated differently by the company’s payroll provider.

Employers (that offer post-tax transit benefits plans) will be required to modify any 2015 post-tax deductions to be pre-tax of up to $250 per month. It is important to note that these modifications will only affect employees’ W-2 forms.

If employees would like to modify their elections, they will need to fill out an Election Change Form and provide it to their company’s benefit administrator.  The Election Change Form should be kept internally or submitted to your third party administrator.

In 2016, the FSA maximum elected amount by employees will remain at $2,550.  If an employer offers a Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) to its employees, the maximum contribution for single coverage will remain at $3,350 and for family coverage the maximum contribution will increase to $6,750.

If you need help obtaining an Election Change Form or have any questions regarding any of the maximum contribution amounts for 2016, please contact our office at 978-777-6554 or at iba@ipswichfinancial.com.

Thank you.