Railroad workers meal allowance

[JenMO]

Are railroad workers subject to the 80% like DOT workers, or just 50%?

[DaveO]

If the employee rides the trains and requires a rest stop he qualifies for the meal allowance. If he routinely travels between different cost areas he qualifies for the 80% and the higher DOT rate. Be sure to ask about reimbursements not included in gross income.

[JenMO]

RRTM $xxxx is in box 14 of W-2. Is that reimbursed meals?

[Koss]

Rrtm

Noooo....

That's equivalent to medicare

BMK

[Burke]

You probably need to check with the TP or particular railroad. I have a bunch of these, (all NSC) and the medicare equivalent code shown in Box 14 for these guys is RRMED. They do not show anything for a code RRTM. But the T&E Meal Allowance is on the upper blue part of the ADP style W-2 under "2011 W2 & Earnings Summary" and has their own internal code (V903). My guys keep their own records of meals and the amt they receive for reimbursement. It is always different. I am not sure if this is negotiated by the particular union or not. If so, I imagine it could vary. I don't think there are standard codes for Box 14.

[JenMO]

there isn't a code in box 14 to put in, just RRT1 and RRT2, which is equilivant to soc sec. If RRTM is equilivant to medicare, can I use that amount on my state that lets me take medicare as an addition to itemized deductions?

[Koss]

Deduction?

Which state?

BMK

[JenMO]

Missouri allows FICA and medicare to be added to itemized deductions, if TP itemizes on Federal. (but subtracts Missouri withholding as state income tax)

[Koss]

FICA and Medicare

I think Railroad Tier I encompasses both social security and medicare. In other words, Tier I should be 7.65 percent, or 5.65 percent with the "temporary" reduction.

Maybe I am mistaken about the meaning of RRTM.

Or maybe it is broken out into two parts or something...

Does the Form W-2 also have amounts for Tier I and Tier 2?

BMK

[Peachie]

You are correct.

I think Railroad Tier I encompasses both social security and medicare. In other words, Tier I should be 7.65 percent, or 5.65 percent with the "temporary" reduction.

Maybe I am mistaken about the meaning of RRTM.

Or maybe it is broken out into two parts or something...

Does the Form W-2 also have amounts for Tier I and Tier 2?

BMK

RRTM=Medicare

Peachie