Pre-Tax Benefit
Save hundreds of dollars in taxes each year when you make the switch to a cleaner commute.
The Federal Tax Code allows employees to use up to $300 per month of pre-tax dollars to pay for transit costs through employer-sponsored programs. Employees can set aside pre-tax income using My Commuter Check, a secure online ordering platform.
Once you have an account set up on My Commuter Check, you will be able to purchase transit products loaded on Clipper cards, including eCash and SMART 31-Day Passes. My Commuter Check has a built in recurring order option, which allows you to place a transit product order only once and have it continue on an ongoing basis, until you wish to make a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pre-Tax Transportation Benefit?
The Pre-Tax Transportation Benefit is a federal tax benefit authorized under the Internal Revenue Code Section 132. For 2023, the Federal Tax Code allows employees to use up to $300 per month of pre-tax dollars to pay for transit and vanpool commute costs through employer-sponsored programs.
What employees are eligible to participate in the Pre-Tax Benefit program?
Full-Time and Part-Time County employees are eligible for pre-tax commuter benefits. Extra help employees are not eligible at this time, but may be included following the initial Pilot Program.
For questions about eligibility contact HR Benefits at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.
How do sign up with My Commuter Check?
Use the online My Commuter Check portal to set up an account and make your monthly election. You will be asked to provide a Company ID, which is CCO15267, and First Name, Last Name, Birthday (MM/DD) or Zip Code. A valid physical address and a valid email address are required for delivery of transit products and for ordering notifications.
You will need a registered Clipper card in order to make purchases through the My Commuter Check portal. If you don't have a Clipper card already, you can contact HR Benefits at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.
How do I register my Clipper card?
You can register your Clipper card on Clipper's website. You will be asked to provide a serial number, which is located on the back of your card.
When can I make my pre-tax transportation benefit elections?
The My Commuter Check portal is open at all times for you to make changes to your transportation benefits or to change your orders. Orders must be placed by the 10th day of the month for the following month of benefits (e.g., July 10th for August benefits).
My Commuter Check has a built in recurring order option, which allows participants to place their transit product order only once and have it continue on an ongoing basis. Recurring orders may be cancelled prior to the 10th day of the month for the following month of benefits.
What can I purchase using my Pre-Tax Benefit?
Employees may purchase transit products on Clipper cards (eCash or SMART 31-Day Passes)
Are there any fees for using the My Commuter Check?
Yes, there is a $3 pre-tax eligible, transaction fee on each order placed through My Commuter Check. For example, if you load eCash on a Clipper card in August and use the available funds in September, you will only be charged a transaction fee for the month of August
When will my Pre-Tax Benefit election be deducted from my paycheck?
Employees may enroll in My Commuter Check by the 10th of each month. The monthly payroll deduction, up to $300, will be taken out of the employee’s next available paycheck. Typically this will occur once per month, on the second pay date of the month, however there may be some exceptions depending on number of pay periods in a month or longer than usual processing times.