Set up a non-taxable reimbursement payroll item
Use the following steps to set up a payroll item that you can use to reimburse employees or independent contractors when they incur non-taxable expenses, such as car rentals or hotel accommodations while traveling for business. Typically, these expenses qualify as tax-deductible for the employer.
- SelectSetup, thenPayroll Items.
- Select the client, and thenAdd.
- Enter a description for the item and then selectPayin theTypefield.
- Select the calculation type (typically this isFixed Amount).
- For independent contractors, selectNonemployee reimbursementsin theSpecial Typefield.
- Mark theAmount from gross pay presentationcheckbox if you don't want the reimbursement amount included in the gross pay.
- For employees, selectAllin theAccruable benefitsandWorkers' compensationfields in the Exclusions section (this is appropriate in most cases, but not all).
- Go to the Tax Exemptions tab, and mark the checkboxes for any taxes the reimbursement amount should be excluded from.
- SelectEnterto save the payroll item.
- SelectSetup, thenEmployees.
- On the Payroll Items tab, mark the checkbox to activate the reimbursement item for the employee or independent contractor.