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Will there be Extra Credit?

I miss opportunities for extra credit. Why can't we have those in our post-school life? Little chances to try to get an extra boost that will test our abilities, but if we miss won't be counted against us.

Luckily, for businesses in Maryland, there may be some extra credit - a tax credit, that is - for businesses who provide transit and other commuting-related, non-parking benefits via the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit!

Maryland employers who pay a portion of the cost of an employee's commute on a qualified mass transit vehicle or system can claim this special tax credit. The credit is the lesser of either 50% of the cost of providing commuter benefits, or $100 per month for each employee.

Yes! Tax-exempt organizations under IRS Code 501(c)3 are eligible to take the tax credit against their withholding taxes. Such organizations will need to attach a Maryland 508CR form to their Annual Employer Withholding Reconciliation Return (MW508).

Eligible expenses include the purchase of transit fare cards, like SmarTrip cards, for travel between home and work. The employer-paid expenses from a Guaranteed Ride Home program, a "Parking Cash-Out" program, or an employer-run vanpool are also eligible.

If your business or organization provided any of the eligible benefits in 2019, simply complete Part M of Maryland Form 500 CR, Maryland Business Income Tax Credits. If you need help or want more information, contact Brandan Stuckey at (301) 656-0868 ext. 129.

Just One Word: Buses

Stakeholders from across the region have been meeting to discuss how to make bus transportation a more viable choice for commuters and residents everywhere as part of the Washington Area Bus Transformation Project. Their goals are to provide better service and a better customer experience for all bus riders, identify the best role for bus service amidst rapidly changing technologies and travel preferences, and to increase efficiency to provide better results for customers despite limited resources.

The result of this committee's work was released this fall in the Washington Area Bus Transformation Project's Strategy Summary, which is available online. The Summary outlines plans and ideas for all the region's bus service agencies that are already receiving a lot of attention from Metro!