• Connecticut and New York State DOTs expand SMART Ride Stuff Program.
  
  
• Rockland looks to the rails for congestion relief.
  
  
• MetroPool's Third Annual Leadership Awards.
  
  
• Winners of the Fourth Annual Earth Week Challenge.
  
  
• Results of the Third Annual Great Train Race.
  
  
• Compressed Work Week is a win-win situation at Raytheon.
  
  New tax relief for employers with traffic reduction plans in Connecticut.
  
  

Please note: the following summary of the Connecticut Traffic Reduction Tax Credit Program is provided for general informational purposes only; program specifics, such as deadlines, dates, and procedures, are still under review by ConnDOT and area business organizations and are subject to change. Watch your mail for further information about the program or call ConnDOT at (860) 594-2840.

What Is It? The Traffic Reduction Tax Credit is a credit on an employer's corporation business tax return for expenses incurred as part of a state-approved traffic reduction plan. The Credit is part of the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Voluntary Traffic Reduction Program, designed to encourage employers to help their employees use alternatives to driving alone to work.

How Do I Qualify? You are qualified for the Credit if you have �

1. Participated in the Employee Commute Options (ECO) program in 1995-1996 as an affected employer.
2. Submitted an ECO Plan to the Connecticut Department of Transportation in 1995, and received approval on that plan.
3. Incurred, on or after January 1, 1995, direct costs to implement your approved ECO Plan.

How Is the Amount of My Credit Determined?

1. In 1999, you may apply for a credit on your 1997 tax return for expenses incurred during 1995 and 1996. Expenses incurred after 1996 will be applied against later tax returns under plans currently under development at ConnDOT.
2. ConnDOT will determine the amount of your credit and issue you written notification of the amount that may be claimed on your corporate business tax return. ConnDOT will review the direct costs listed on the application to confirm that the costs are reasonable for the level of effort described in your original ECO Plan and your annual update.
3. ConnDOT will calculate your maximum eligible credit as the lesser of the following two amounts:
   1. The number of participating employees multiplied by $250
   2. Fifty percent of the total approved direct costs.
4. If the total maximum eligible credits for all qualified corporations for a single credit year exceeds the statutory limit, your credit will be prorated for the available funds.

What Steps Do I Take to Get My Credit?

1. ConnDOT will send a Traffic Reduction Tax Credit Application to the designated contact at your company.
2. Submit the Tax Credit Application by the deadline to be established by ConnDOT. This Application form will identify the direct costs incurred in implementing your program during calendar years 1995 and 1996.
3. Receive written notification from ConnDOT on the amount of tax credit that can be applied against your amended 1997 tax return.
4. File an adjustment with the Department of Revenue Services for the applicable income year to claim the credit.
5. If you wish to apply for a tax credit for expenses incurred after 1996, you must submit an Annual Update form to ConnDOT by September 29, 1999. ConnDOT will be mailing this form to each company shortly. The Annual Update will report on the success of your current traffic reduction program and describe the measures that you will implement in the coming year as part of your ongoing effort to encourage your employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work. Submitting this form will bring you "current" with the state's now-voluntary Employee Commute Options/Traffic Reduction Program.

Where Can I Get Help?

For more information on Connecticut's Traffic Reduction Tax Credit program, call ConnDOT at (860) 594-2840.