Cut Taxes by Reimbursing Expenses with an Accountable Plan

By: Helen Weeber

September 7, 2023

If you’re looking for another way to attract and retain staffers that won’t bust your nonprofit’s budget, consider offering an accountable plan. It’s an easy and low-cost way to reimburse employees for out-of-pocket expenses free from income and employment taxes. Let’s take a look.

Reasonable Reimbursements

Accountable plan reimbursement payments aren’t subject to income or employment taxes. That’s a big bonus for employees who, for example, travel frequently for work or often pay for work-related supplies out of their own pocket. Your organization can also benefit because reimbursements aren’t subject to the employer’s portion of federal employment taxes.

The IRS stipulates that all expenses covered in an accountable plan have a business connection and are “reasonable.” In addition:

You can’t reimburse employees more than they paid for any business expense,
Employees must account for their expenses, and
If an expense allowance was provided, employees must return any excess allowance within a reasonable time period.

Examples of expenses that might qualify for tax-free reimbursements through an accountable plan include tools and equipment, home office supplies, dues and subscriptions. Certain meal, travel and transportation expenses also qualify.

Establishing a Plan

How do you establish an accountable plan? Although your plan isn’t required to be in writing, formally documenting it will make proving its validity to the IRS easier if it’s ever challenged.

When administering your plan, you’re responsible for keeping reimbursement or expense payments separate from other amounts, such as wages. The accountable plan must reimburse expenses in addition to an employee’s regular compensation. No matter how informal your nonprofit, you can’t substitute tax-free reimbursements for compensation that employees otherwise would have received.

The IRS also requires employers with accountable plans to keep good records. This includes documentation of the amount of the expense and the date; place of the travel, meal or transportation; the business purpose; and the relationship of the participants to your organization. You also should require employees to submit receipts for expenses of $75 or more and for all lodging unless your nonprofit uses a per diem plan.

Potential Drawbacks

There are potential drawbacks to offering an accountable plan — for instance, increased administration time and costs. Contact us to discuss the pros and cons.