Difference between revisions of "Reimbursement Policy"

Latest revision as of 14:17, 20 June 2012

Reimbursement: Approved at staff collective meeting June 25, 2010
List of Policies - Policy Development

It is Free Geek's policy to reimburse employees, volunteers, and board members for all reasonable, ordinary, and necessary expenses incurred which are directly related to conducting Free Geek business.

Policy

Note; as of July 22, 2011, the amounts below have been changed. Please see Staff Spending Guidelines for an update. This section should be altered to reflect the new policy. RfS 22:17, 20 June 2012 (UTC)

Reimbursement will generally be made to paid staff and volunteers for reasonable charges related to Free Geek's interests.
Any expense over $100 incurred by employees must be approved in advance by the Beancounters in order to qualify for reimbursement.
Any expense over $300 incurred by employees must be approved in advance by the Staff Collective in order to qualify for reimbursement.
When possible, use a Free Geek check or one of the Free Geek debit cards to purchase items.
The person requesting payment or reimbursement must indicate in writing the relationship of the activity to Free Geek business, must provide a detailed record of the expenditures, and must provide receipts for most charges. A receipt and documentation for any charge over $12 is required, however in the event of a lost receipt, the beancounters may allow the reimbursement.

Procedures

All requests for reimbursement shall be made in writing and shall be signed and dated by the person seeking reimbursement. Receipts should be attached for all expenditures, but any individual expense in excess of $12, except mileage, must be accompanied by a receipt or adequate documentation. Expenditures in excess of $12 lacking a receipt will not be paid without adequate explanation.

Rejections, Modifications and Appeals

The Beancounters working group is authorized to reject or modify payment to comply with these policies and guidelines. Appeal of The Beancounters's decision shall be made to the appropriate committee who may present the appeal to the staff collective if appropriate.

Details

Documentation

There must be a business connection and the expense must be reasonable. This means that we must have an explanation of the business purpose for the expense.
There must be reasonable accounting for the expense. Original statements, invoices and receipts are preferred for reimbursement. Handwritten receipts/invoices must contain the vendor’s name, address, and signature. Faxed copies of invoices are acceptable. Other documentation required includes the time, date, location, and a list of attendees for a meal reimbursement. Requests lacking the required documentation will not be processed until completed.
All reimbursements must be repaid in a reasonable time. Requests for reimbursement should be made in a timely manner, not to exceed 45 days from the date of the expense. Payment of expenses in advance of an event, such as conference registrations, deposits, etc. will be made only to businesses and organizations, not individuals, and not more than 120 days in advance of the event. Payments to individuals for performing services will not be issued until the services have been performed or delivered. What about deposits?

Elements of good documentation

What was purchased (the items or services bought)
Where the money was spent (name of store, whatever)
How much was spent (dollar amount)
When the money was spent (date)
Who spent the money (staff person's or volunteer's name, printed legibly)
Who authorized the expenditure (staff person's legible name and signature)
Who else was in attendance - if this is a meal reimbursement
Why the money was spent (business purpose)

When a receipt is unavailable

If a receipt is lost or unavailable, the person seeking reimbursement should first check with the vendor to see if a replacement receipt can be issued. If a replacement receipt cannot be issued, and the amount is over $12, the Staff Collective will need to approve the reimbursement. If a replacement receipt cannot be issued, and the amount is under $12, a staff member can use her/his discretion in authorizing the reimbursement. Regardless of the presence of a receipt, all reimbursements need the elements of documentation described above.

Meals

Reasonable meal expenses will be reimbursed, including gratuity.
No alcohol purchases will be reimbursed and such purchases should be segregated from meal expense and paid for by the individual ordering them.
Meal reimbursement requests will not be processed without the elements of documentation listed above and a list of attendees.

Gifts / Awards

Free Geek recognizes that it is an appropriate use of Free Geek funds to purchase awards and modest gifts in appreciation for volunteer service. Reimbursement will be made for the purchase of reasonable gifts, awards or similar items recognizing an individual's extraordinary volunteer service to the Free Geek. Any gifts of merchandise for such purposes shall be modest and reasonable.

Skills Training

Paid staff who seek to be reimbursed for skills training will bring a proposal to the staff collective that details:

What will be learned
How these skills will benefit Free Geek
Where the training is taking place
When the training is taking place and whether it affects schedule

Collective members are eligible only after serving their six month probationary period.

The staff collective shall decide whether full or partial reimbursement is most appropriate. Fees for continued learning shall be modest and reasonable.

Fines

Free Geek does not reimburse fines for moving or non-moving violations (ex. parking tickets).

Mileage

Free Geek uses the standard mileage rate as set forth by the Internal Revenue Service for the reimbursement of vehicle expenses. Actual charges for repairs, maintenance, or gasoline used in a personal vehicle are not reimbursable.

If a privately owned vehicle is used on official Free Geek business and an accident occurs, the operator’s insurance is responsible for payment up to the maximum liability. Afterwards, Free Geek’s insurance will pay up to Free Geek’s maximum liability [not sure this applies]. Free Geek will not pay deductibles associated with insurance claims as a result of the use of a privately owned vehicle.

Free Geek will reimburse charges for gasoline only when its use is associated with a rental car. In accordance with IRS rules regarding accountable travel reimbursement plans, reimbursement for gasoline used in an employee’s personal vehicle will be made using mileage reimbursement only as stated above.

Personal Expenses

No reimbursements are allowed for expenditures of a personal nature. The Internal Revenue Service guidelines of reasonable and necessary business expenses are utilized in all cases of determination of appropriate reimbursements.

Purchases – Equipment

Assets purchased with Free Geek funds will become the property of Free Geek. The department initiating the purchase is responsible for properly safeguarding all assets purchased with Free Geek funds. Assets purchased with Free Geek funds are not the property of any individual. All items purchased with Free Geek funds should be shipped to Free Geek's address.

Travel

Moderately priced hotel facilities and meals are favored. Where the hotel facilities are dictated by the location of a particular meeting or conference, that factor will take precedence over comparative rates of other establishments.
When air travel is required, Free Geek will pay for or reimburse for "coach class" tickets for staff members.
Where a choice is present between using a personal car or commercial flights Free Geek reimbursement will be on the basis of the lower actual auto mileage and hotel costs, or coach class air fare plus estimated taxi fares.
When travel for more than one night is required, Free Geek will give paid staff an allowance to cover meals and incidental expenses as follows:
- First and Last Day (travel days) - 40% of the GSA M&IE per diem rate of the destination city.
- Each non-travel day - 70% of the GSA M&IE per diem rate of the destination city.

Foreign Currency

When claiming reimbursement for expenses that are in a foreign currency, the request should be completed in U.S. dollars and the rate of exchange must be documented. Free Geek recommends using the currency exchange rates as listed on www.oanda.com. Rate of exchange must be calculated based on the date the expense was charged.

Links and Other pages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{policy in development}}
+{{Policy Header
+ | PolicyName = Reimbursement
+ | notes = Approved at staff collective meeting [http://lists.freegeek.org/private/staff//2010-June/017351.html June 25, 2010]
+}}
 It is Free Geek's policy to reimburse employees, volunteers, and board members for all reasonable, ordinary, and necessary expenses incurred which are directly related to conducting Free Geek business.
-== Guidelines to implementing this policy ==
+== Policy ==
-* Reimbursement will generally be made for travel expenses, lodging, meals, parking, registration fees, and other reasonable charges related to Free Geek's interests. '''Make this list more relevant to FG.'''
+''Note; as of July 22, 2011, the amounts below have been changed. Please see [[Staff Spending Guidelines]] for an update. This section should be altered to reflect the new policy.''  [[User:Rfs|RfS]] 22:17, 20 June 2012 (UTC)
-* The person requesting payment or reimbursement must indicate in writing the relationship of the activity to Free Geek business, must provide a detailed record of the expenditures, and must provide receipts or other appropriate documentation for most charges. A receipt or documentation for any charge over '''$????''' is required.
+* Reimbursement will generally be made to paid staff and volunteers for reasonable charges related to Free Geek's interests.
-* Moderately priced hotel facilities and meals are favored. Where the hotel facilities are dictated by the location of a particular meeting or conference, that factor will take precedence over comparative rates of other establishments.
+* Any expense '''over $100''' incurred by employees must be approved in advance by '''''the Beancounters''''' in order to qualify for reimbursement.
-* When air travel is required, Free Geek will pay for or reimburse for "coach class" tickets for staff members.
+* Any expense '''over $300''' incurred by employees must be approved in advance by '''''the Staff Collective''''' in order to qualify for reimbursement.
-* Where a choice is present between using a personal car or commercial flights Free Geek reimbursement will be on the basis of the lower actual auto mileage and hotel costs, or coach class air fare plus estimated taxi fares.
+* When possible, use a Free Geek check or one of the Free Geek debit cards to purchase items.
-* As a general rule, Free Geek will not reimburse for expenses when incurred by the spouse of an employee. However, when a spouse is included in a group dinner or other event dedicated to Free Geek business, Free Geek will pay for or reimburse the spouse expenses.
+* The person requesting payment or reimbursement must indicate in writing the relationship of the activity to Free Geek business, must provide a detailed record of the expenditures, and must provide receipts for most charges. A receipt and documentation for any charge over '''''$12''''' is required, however in the event of a lost receipt, the beancounters may allow the reimbursement.
-* Any significant travel or other expense by volunteers or employees must be approved in advance by '''who??''' in order to qualify for reimbursement.
-* Free Geek maintains car insurance. Accordingly, an employee who is renting a car on Free Geek business should decline the insurance coverage option. '''?????'''
+== Procedures ==
-* As a part of the regular review of actual and budgeted expenditures, a report of all expenses, paid or reimburse by Free Geek, will be distributed to '''who????'''.
+* All requests for reimbursement shall be made in writing and shall be signed and dated by the person seeking reimbursement. Receipts should be attached for all expenditures, but any individual expense in excess of $12, except mileage, must be accompanied by a receipt or adequate documentation. Expenditures in excess of $12 lacking a receipt will not be paid without adequate explanation.
+=== Rejections, Modifications and Appeals ===
+* '''The Beancounters''' working group is authorized to reject or modify payment to comply with these policies and guidelines. Appeal of '''The Beancounters''''s decision shall be made to '''the appropriate committee''' who may present the appeal to '''the staff collective''' if appropriate.
+== Details ==
+=== Documentation ===
+* There must be a business connection and the expense must be reasonable. This means that we must have an explanation of the business purpose for the expense.
+* There must be reasonable accounting for the expense. Original statements, invoices and receipts are preferred for reimbursement. Handwritten receipts/invoices must contain the vendor’s name, address, and signature. Faxed copies of invoices are acceptable. Other documentation required includes the time, date, location, and a list of attendees for a meal reimbursement. Requests lacking the required documentation will not be processed until completed.
+* All reimbursements must be repaid in a reasonable time. Requests for reimbursement should be made in a timely manner, not to exceed 45 days from the date of the expense. Payment of expenses in advance of an event, such as conference registrations, deposits, etc. will be made only to businesses and organizations, not individuals, and not more than 120 days in advance of the event. Payments to individuals for performing services will not be issued until the services have been performed or delivered. '''''What about deposits?'''''
-== Petty cash ==
+==== Elements of good documentation ====
-Free Geek maintains a petty cash fund of $'''?????''' Whenever possible, Free Geek prefers to disburse money only by check. For those occasions in which a check is not appropriate, the petty cash fund should be used. An individual should present evidence of payment and will be required to sign a petty cash voucher acknowledging receipt of money.
+* '''''What''''' was purchased (the items or services bought)
+* '''''Where''''' the money was spent (name of store, whatever)
+* '''''How much''''' was spent (dollar amount)
+* '''''When''''' the money was spent (date)
+* '''''Who''''' spent the money (staff person's or volunteer's name, printed legibly)
+* '''''Who''''' authorized the expenditure (staff person's legible name and signature)
+* '''''Who''''' else was in attendance - if this is a meal reimbursement
+* '''''Why''''' the money was spent (business purpose)
-== Additional snippets to work in ==
+==== When a receipt is unavailable ====
+If a receipt is lost or unavailable, the person seeking reimbursement should first check with the vendor to see if a replacement receipt can be issued. If a replacement receipt cannot be issued, and the amount is over $12, the Staff Collective will need to approve the reimbursement. If a replacement receipt cannot be issued, and the amount is under $12, a staff member can use her/his discretion in authorizing the reimbursement. Regardless of the presence of a receipt, all reimbursements need the elements of documentation described above.
 === Meals ===
-Reasonable meal expenses will be reimbursed, including gratuity. No alcohol purchases will be reimbursed and such purchases should be segregated from meal expense and paid for by the individual ordering them.
+* Reasonable meal expenses will be reimbursed, including gratuity.
+* No alcohol purchases will be reimbursed and such purchases should be segregated from meal expense and paid for by the individual ordering them.
+* Meal reimbursement requests will not be processed without the elements of documentation listed above and a list of attendees.
 === Gifts / Awards ===
-Recognizing that it is an appropriate use of Free Geek funds to purchase awards and modest gifts in appreciation for volunteer service, reimbursement will be made for the purchase of reasonable plaques or similar items recognizing an individual's extraordinary volunteer service to the Free Geek and / or its component parts. Any gifts of merchandise for such purposes shall be modest and reasonable.
+Free Geek recognizes that it is an appropriate use of Free Geek funds to purchase awards and modest gifts in appreciation for volunteer service. Reimbursement will be made for the purchase of reasonable gifts, awards or similar items recognizing an individual's extraordinary volunteer service to the Free Geek. Any gifts of merchandise for such purposes shall be modest and reasonable.
-=== Reimbursement Procedures ===
-* All requests for reimbursement shall be made in writing (preferably on the Free Geek expense voucher form) and shall be signed and dated by the person seeking reimbursement. Receipts should be attached for all expenditures, but any individual expense in excess of $25, except mileage, must be accompanied by a receipt or adequate documentation. Expenditures in excess of $25 lacking a receipt will not be paid without adequate explanation.
-* Expense reports must be approved by the Executive Director or his / her designee, subject to review by the Treasurer on request.
-* Expense reports should be submitted within 60 days of incurring the expense. It is critical to receive all reports from a fiscal year (Januare 1 - December 31) within 30 days of the close of the fiscal year.
-* '''WHO???''' is authorized to reject or modify payment to comply with these policies and guidelines. Appeal of '''WHO???''''s decision shall be made to '''WHO???''' who may present the appeal to '''WHO???''' if appropriate.
-=== Documentation ===
+=== Skills Training ===
-* There must be a business connection and the expense must be reasonable. This means that we must have an explanation of the business purpose for the expense.
+Paid staff who seek to be reimbursed for skills training will bring a proposal to the staff collective that details:
-* There must be reasonable accounting for the expense. Original statements, invoices and receipts are preferred for reimbursement. Handwritten receipts/invoices must contain the vendor’s name, address, and signature. Faxed copies of invoices are acceptable. Other documentation required includes the time, date, location, and a list of attendees for a meal reimbursement. Requests lacking the required documentation will not be processed until completed.
+* '''''What''''' will be learned
-* All reimbursements must be repaid in a reasonable time. Requests for reimbursement should be made in a timely manner, not to exceed 90 (IRS states 60 days for travel reimbursement) days from the date of the expense. Payment of expenses in advance of an event, such as conference registrations, deposits, etc. will be made only to business and organizations, not individuals, and not more than 120 (or 90?) days in advance of the event. Payments to individuals for performing services will not be issued until the services have been performed or delivered, are not to be made in advance of the service to ensure completion.
+* '''''How''''' these skills will benefit Free Geek
+* '''''Where''''' the training is taking place
+* '''''When''''' the training is taking place and whether it affects schedule
-==== Elements of good documentation ====
+Collective members are eligible only after serving their six month probationary period.
-We could list these elements as essential pieces of documentation:
-* ''What'' was purchased (the items or services bought)
-* ''Where'' the money was spent (name of store, whatever)
-* ''How much'' was spent (dollar amount)
-* ''When'' the money was spent (date)
-* ''Who'' spent the money (staff person's or volunteer's name, printed legibly)
-* ''Who'' authorized the expenditure (staff person's legible name and signature)
-* ''Why'' the money was spent (business purpose)
-A receipt is documentation that partially supports the above elements, but the above elements should all go on a form that needs to accompany any reimbursement. The receipt should be required either for all expenses or for ones that meet a specifically defined criteria.
+The staff collective shall decide whether full or partial reimbursement is most appropriate. Fees for continued learning shall be modest and reasonable.
 === Fines ===
 Free Geek does not reimburse fines for moving or non-moving violations (ex. parking tickets).
-=== Foreign Currency ===
-When claiming reimbursement for expenses that are in a foreign currency, the Check Request should be completed in U.S. dollars and the rate of exchange must be documented. (Provide a copy of exchange rate document - recommended site for currency exchange rates is www.oanda.com.) Rate of exchange must be calculated based on the date the expense was charged.
 === Mileage ===
-Free Geek uses the standard mileage rate as set forth by the Internal Revenue Service for the reimbursement of vehicle expenses. Actual charges for repairs, maintenance, or gasoline used in a personal vehicle are not reimbursable. A lower reimbursement level may be set for specific colleges or departments as deemed necessary by the '''WHO????'''. Free Geek will not reimburse for the use of a personal car within 10 miles of an
+Free Geek uses the standard mileage rate as set forth by the Internal Revenue Service for the reimbursement of vehicle expenses. Actual charges for repairs, maintenance, or gasoline used in a personal vehicle are not reimbursable.
-employee’s official headquarters and/or place of residence.
-If a privately owned vehicle is used on official Free Geek business and an accident occurs, the operator’s insurance is responsible for payment up to the maximum liability. Afterwards, the Free Geek’s insurance will pay up to the Free Geek’s maximum liability. Free Geek will not pay deductibles associated with insurance claims as a result of the use of a privately owned vehicle.
+If a privately owned vehicle is used on official Free Geek business and an accident occurs, the operator’s insurance is responsible for payment up to the maximum liability. Afterwards, Free Geek’s insurance will pay up to Free Geek’s maximum liability '''[not sure this applies]'''. Free Geek will not pay deductibles associated with insurance claims as a result of the use of a privately owned vehicle.
 Free Geek will reimburse charges for gasoline only when its use is associated with a rental car. In accordance with IRS rules regarding accountable travel reimbursement plans, reimbursement for gasoline used in an employee’s personal vehicle will be made using mileage reimbursement only as stated above.
@@ Line 69: / Line 75: @@
 Assets purchased with Free Geek funds will become the property of Free Geek. The department initiating the purchase is responsible for properly safeguarding all assets purchased with Free Geek funds. Assets purchased with Free Geek funds are not the property of any individual. All items purchased with Free Geek funds should be shipped to Free Geek's address.
-== Other pages ==
+=== Travel ===
-* [[Reimbursement for Volunteer's Incidental Expenses]]
-* [[Reimbursement for mileage]]
+* Moderately priced hotel facilities and meals are favored. Where the hotel facilities are dictated by the location of a particular meeting or conference, that factor will take precedence over comparative rates of other establishments.
+* When air travel is required, Free Geek will pay for or reimburse for "coach class" tickets for staff members.
+* Where a choice is present between using a personal car or commercial flights Free Geek reimbursement will be on the basis of the lower actual auto mileage and hotel costs, or coach class air fare plus estimated taxi fares.
+* When travel for more than one night is required, Free Geek will give paid staff an allowance to cover meals and incidental expenses as follows:
+** First and Last Day (travel days) - 40% of the GSA M&IE per diem rate of the destination city.
+** Each non-travel day - 70% of the GSA M&IE per diem rate of the destination city.
+=== Foreign Currency ===
+When claiming reimbursement for expenses that are in a foreign currency, the request should be completed in U.S. dollars and the rate of exchange must be documented. Free Geek recommends using the currency exchange rates as listed on www.oanda.com. Rate of exchange must be calculated based on the date the expense was charged.
+== Links and Other pages ==
+* [[Media:Iou-reimbursement.odt|IOU & Reimbursement Form]]
+* [[Media:Meals and Incidentals Reimbursement for Travel.odt|M&IE Reimbursement Form - Travel]]
+* [[Reimbursement for Volunteer's Incidental Expenses]]
+* [[Reimbursement for mileage]]
+* [http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem GSA Per Diem Rates]
+* [http://www.oanda.com/ Currency Exchange Rates at oanda.com]
 [[Category: Policy]]
+[[Category: Accounting]]