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The State of New York Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) and State University policies govern official travel and travel reimbursement. Actual and necessary expenses while in travel status supported by receipts and established per-diem rates for lodging and food may be reimbursed as well as personal car mileage (PCM) at prevailing reimbursement rates.
All travel reimbursement is subject to supervisory approval and availability of funds.
At times, travel may be funded through Research Foundation grants. As a legally independent corporate entity, the Research Foundation is not required to comply with New York State policies but rather adheres to sponsor mandates. To the extent practical, however, Research Foundation travel guidelines parallel those of State University and are described separately in the Project Director Guide issued by the R.F. Fiscal department of the Business Office.
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To protect the traveler and the institution, it is important to establish the official business nature of the travel prior to departure, whether or not costs are reimbursed. Unless formally stated elsewhere (specific reference in performance program, etc.) a fully approved Travel Authorization Request is necessary to satisfy this requirement.
Active New York State employee status normally demonstrates official business activity. However, official business may occur while in leave status, student status, Research Foundation employment status, volunteer status. In these circumstances it is especially important to formally establish the official business purpose and authorization for travel.
The Accounts Payable department of the Business Office administers travel and may be contacted regarding any of these guidelines, extension 2407.
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In accordance with New York State Accounting System Procedures, Volume XI, Section 3.0600, Page 2, SUNY Cortland is to designate the official station for all employees for the purposes of official travel and reimbursement, in the best interest of the State.
Except when otherwise designated, all SUNY Cortland employees will have as their designated official station SUNY Cortland Main Campus, Cortland, New York 13045.
Some College employees whose primary and ongoing official work site is other than the main campus may have an official station designation as that work site. In some cases, a person's legal residence may be designated as official station so long as that residence is at least 35 miles from the main campus or branch campus site of SUNY Cortland, and no regular attendance at a main or branch campus is required as a condition of employment.
To have an assigned official station other than the main campus, the supervisor of the employee should designate in writing, gain the respective Vice Presidential approval, file with the Business Office-Accounts Payable, and advise the employee.
When in travel status, the designated official station shall be used in all time and reimbursement calculations, except that when travel commences from an employee's residence, the departure point shall be the residence or official station, whichever is closer to the destination. In this way, only actual costs will be reimbursed consistent with policy and tax law intent.
NOTE: To be eligible for reimbursement of meal and lodging expenses, the traveler must be in continuous travel at least three hours with a destination greater than 35 miles from the employee's residence and official station.
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Campus authorization to travel is required for official State business, whether or not cost reimbursement will occur. This is to ensure that the travel is endorsed as part of the College's activities and to verify the staff member's travel status in the event of accident or death. A standard campus form, Travel Authorization Request, must be completed by the traveler, signed by the appropriate supervisor and forwarded to the Business Office (Accounts Payable) for filing and any cost reimbursement.
The traveler completes the Travel Authorization Request stating destination, travel dates, purpose of travel and account code to be charged.
The traveler signs the authorization and forwards for supervisory signature.
The completed form is forwarded to Accounts Payable.
Items for Special Consideration:
In cases of non-overnight, local (under 35 miles) travel incidental to on-campus activities, often of an unscheduled nature, it may be impractical to process a formal Travel Authorization Request. In this circumstance, it is suggested that notification to one's immediate supervisor occur to document the official nature of the travel in protection of the individual. The following are examples of the above:
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The Office of the State Comptroller's Bulletin G-180 extends to Agency Chief Fiscal officers the authority to approve exceptions to standard travel rates when deemed necessary. On this campus, review for pre-approval of over-the-maximum requests are performed by the Vice President for Finance and Management after approval by the travelers appropriate Vice President. All such requests (including justifications) must be made in writing BEFORE the trip and a signature-approved copy of the request must be forwarded with the travel voucher for reimbursement after travel completion.
The Research Foundation of SUNY extends to R.F. Operations Managers the authority to approve exceptions to standard travel rates when deemed appropriate and necessary. On this campus, review for pre-approval of over-the-maximum requests are performed by the Vice President for Finance and Management. All such requests (including justification) must be made in writing BEFORE the trip and a signature-approved copy of the request must be forwarded with the travel voucher for reimbursement after travel completion.
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Registration fees for conferences may be paid directly by the traveler with reimbursement via Travel Voucher after the trip when supported by a proper registration receipt, or may be paid via travel advance or purchase order prior to the conference.
To Secure Registration via Purchase Order:
To Secure Registration via Travel Advance:
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Travel Advances are available but must be requested prior to travel to cover per diem costs of meals and lodging as well as registration fees in cases where a purchase order is not accepted (see Conference Registration Fees).
If a travel advance is requested, an Application and Account for Travel Advance form must be completed with appropriate signatures and forwarded to Accounts Payable. A Travel Authorization Request form must be on file with Accounts Payable for issuance of the advance.
The Advance request amount may not be less than $19.00 or greater than $400.00 (per Office of the State Comptroller guidelines).
Advances will be issued by Accounts Payable approximately three days before the date of travel unless otherwise noted on Advance Form. Advance repayment is accomplished through the voucher reimbursement process, however the Advance recipient (i.e., the traveler) is fully liable for repayment of any and all advance amounts which are not reimbursable via travel voucher.
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The State of New York has entered into an agreement with the American Express Company to provide Management/ Confidential, PEF, and UUP employees of SUNY with American Express Corporate Cards to charge State business expenses. This program has the support of the Office of the State Comptroller and the Division of the Budget and is a way of simplifying and modernizing the State's travel expense methods and procedures. Briefly, the System accomplishes the following:
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TAX EXEMPT STATUS--IN-STATE LODGING
When traveling within the State of New York on official business, lodging charges may be exempted from State and Local Sales Taxes by presenting a Tax Exemption Certificate (Form AC 946) to the lodging vendor at the time of check-in. These certificates are available from Accounts Payable and should be acquired prior to travel since reimbursement for Sales Tax is not allowed by OSC when lodging is secured within the State.
Federal lodging per diem rates are now for room rates only, and do not include taxes. When traveling outside of New York State on official business, reimbursement of actual costs paid for lodging taxes may be reimbursed to the traveler as a miscellaneous expense, subject to funding availability.
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Hotel reservations are normally made by the traveler. Use of the American Express Corporate Card is recommended. Hotel/motels within N.Y. State should be advised that the business travel is sales tax exempt and that a Tax Exemption Certificate will be provided. "State rates" should be requested.
The traveler must obtain an itemized receipt in order to gain reimbursement.
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RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS TRAVEL EXPENSES
To be reimbursed for certain travel related expenses, original receipts must be provided as follows:
Lodging
Original receipt from the lodging establishment must accompany the travel voucher and must contain the following information:
A. Name of traveler
B. Name, address, and telephone number of lodging establishment
C. Number of people in the room.
D. Rate paid.
E. Dates of occupancy.
NOTE: If lodging is shared, the name(s) of the other employee(s) must be included on the voucher and each employee must claim only their share of the actual lodging cost. If lodging is shared with a non-employee (i.e., spouse), the employee must document that the rate claimed is the rate for single room occupancy.
Meals
No receipts are required when in overnight status.
Common Carrier (Bus, Train, Airplane)
Original ticket passenger receipt must accompany the travel voucher detailing passenger name, travel dates, and amount of ticket.
Tolls, Parking, and Taxi or Shuttle Fares
Original receipts for each must accompany the travel voucher for reimbursement.
Gasoline
Original receipt which lists vehicle plate number, number of gallons purchased, name of vendor, and amount must accompany the travel reimbursement voucher.
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Per diem rates are established by the Federal government. Rates are identified by county and the traveler must indicate the county as well as the city on the Travel Voucher (Form AC 132). A full per diem is considered to be dinner the first day, and lodging and breakfast the following day.
Meal Allowances - The meal allowances for breakfast and dinner are allocated as follows, with different allowances based on locations:
Breakfast Dinner
$46 Meal Allowances
$9
$37
$42 Meal Allowances
$8
$34
$38 Meal Allowances
$8
$30
$34 Meal Allowances
$7
$27
$30 Meal Allowances
$6
$24
Out-of-State and foreign per diem rates are available by contacting Accounts Payable at ext. 2407 or can be accessed via the Web at http://policyworks.gov/org/main/mt/homepage/mtt/perdiem/perd03d.html
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The traveler completes a Travel Voucher (Form AC 132), attaching all receipts for lodging, tolls and miscellaneous expenses, registration fees, airline tickets, etc. along with a copy of the program brochure, and agenda, if applicable, for any conference attended.
The traveler completes and attaches to the Travel Voucher a Statement of Automobile Travel (Form AC 160) if personal car mileage (PCM) reimbursement is claimed.
The traveler signs, indicates official station and the correct home address, and forwards the Voucher and attachments for supervisory approval and signature.
The supervisor indicates the approved reimbursement amount and account number to be charged on the Travel Voucher, signs and forwards to the appropriate dean or vice president for signature and account coding if funding is being provided by those areas. The Travel Voucher is then forwarded to Accounts Payable.
Accounts Payable receives and date stamps the Voucher and matches with the Travel Authorization Request on file.
If required signatures are not affixed, the Voucher cannot be processed and is returned to the traveler or supervisor.
Accounts Payable audits the Travel Voucher in accordance with guidelines set forth in OSC Bulletin No. G-180.
Accounts Payable Audit Steps:
Reimbursement for personal car mileage is made in accordance with the rates established by the employee's respective bargaining agreement, with some units basing reimbursement on the standard allowance established by the Internal Revenue Service. These rates change periodically and will be verified by Accounts Payable when vouchering.
Personal car mileage reimbursement rates can be accessed via the web at: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/agencies/travel/mileage.htm
To document personal car mileage for reimbursement, travelers must complete
a Statement of Automobile Travel
(Form AC 160) detailing the mileage claimed, sign, and attach to the
Travel Reimbursement Voucher.
Note the following excerpt from published OGS Bureau of Insurance Guidelines
regarding Conditions of Use of Personal Vehicles.
CONDITIONS OF USE OF PERSONAL VEHICLES
FOR PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED TO USE THEIR PERSONAL VEHICLE ON OFFICIAL STATE BUSINESS, THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND/OR STATE COVERAGES APPLY.
1. THERE IS NO STATE COVERAGE FOR:
UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS
PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION
MEDICAL PAYMENTS
THESE COVERAGES MUST BE PROVIDED THROUGH YOUR OWN
PERSONAL POLICY.
2. WORKER'S COMPENSATION COVERAGE IS PROVIDED THE SAME AS IF YOU WERE USING A STATE OWNED VEHICLE ON STATE BUSINESS.
3. COMPREHENSIVE & COLLISION LOSSES TO THE PERSONAL
VEHICLE ARE NOT COVERED BY THE STATE.
4. LIABILITY TO OTHER PERSONS, INCLUDING YOUR PASSENGERS MUST BE COVERED BY YOUR OWN PERSONAL AUTO POLICY. IF LOSSES EXCEED YOUR POLICY LIMITS, THE STATE WILL COVER THE EXCESS LIABILITY UNDER PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, SECTION 17, ARTICLE 2.
IF YOU USE YOUR PERSONAL VEHICLE ON A REGULAR BASIS ON STATE BUSINESS YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT OR COMPANY TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE PROPERLY COVERED.
The College maintains a fleet of State-owned (College-owned) passenger cars and vans for official business travel. Whenever practicable, State-owned vehicles are to be used, based upon economy, availability and requirements. State University of New York and SUNY Cortland set forth the following requirements for use of State-owned vehicles:
Note the following excerpt from published OGS Bureau of Insurance Guidelines.
The account to be charged will automatically be assessed the prevailing per mile usage rate.
Other information and vehicle operating requirements are available from
the Transportation Center.
Commercially rented vehicles may be used only when it is determined that use of other methods of transportation would be less cost-effective for the State. A satisfactory written justification for the use of a rented automobile is required when traveling within N.Y.S. (out-of-state rentals usually do not require a justification as their use is often self-explanatory). New York State law imposes a ten-day limitation on the use of rented automobiles used within New York State. There is no duration limitation for out-of-state travel.
Note the following excerpt from published OGS Bureau of Insurance Guidelines regarding Rental Vehicles.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AS A STATE EMPLOYEE
1. ALWAYS RENT IN THE NAME OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2. THE RENTAL COMPANY MUST PROVIDE NEW YORK STATUTORY
LIABILITY LIMITS OF INSURANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF
$25,000/50,000/10,000 PLUS STATUTORY UNINSURED MOTORISTS
AND NO FAULT COVERAGE.
3. NEITHER YOU OR YOUR EMPLOYER ARE AUTHORIZED TO
PURCHASE ANY ADDITIONAL INSURANCE WHEN RENTING A
VEHICLE IN NEW YORK STATE.
4. IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHERE THE BASIC LIMITS
ARE EXHAUSTED, THE STATE EMPLOYEE WOULD BE DEFENDED
AND INDEMNIFIED UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS
LAW SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS CONTAINED THEREIN.
5. IF THE RENTAL VEHICLE IS DAMAGED, THE STATE IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR A MAXIMUM OF $100 TO PRIVATE PASSENGER VEHICLES
(INCLUDING MINI VANS), AND FULL VALUE FOR COMMERCIAL
VEHICLES, SUCH AS LARGE VANS AND TRUCKS. IN THE EVENT
YOU PAY THE $100, OGS WILL REIMBURSE YOU THROUGH THE
BUREAU OF INSURANCE, WITH APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION.
6. IF MORE THAN ONE EMPLOYEE WILL BE DRIVING THE VEHICLE,New York State currently has an exclusive agreement with Enterprise Car Rental which offers discounted rates to all State employees on official business rentals. Contact Accounts Payable for more information.
ADDITIONAL DRIVERS MUST BE LISTED ON THE RENTAL
CONTRACT. THE STATE SHOULD NOT PAY ADDITIONAL CHARGES
FOR THESE DRIVERS. UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS SHOULD NOT BE
ALLOWED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
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NON-OVERNIGHT MEAL REIMBURSEMENT
The Internal Revenue Service considers non-overnight meals a non-essential travel cost, therefore any reimbursement is taxed as ordinary income. Consequently, special treatment is required by N.Y.S. to transfer such reimbursement from Travel to the Payroll system for tax withholding. If reimbursement is sought, the traveler completes a travel voucher as described elsewhere in these guidelines. Payroll tax withholding reflective of the reimbursed amount will occur in a subsequent paycheck.
The current non-overnight meal reimbursement rates are:
Breakfast $5.00NOTE: Eligibility for reimbursement is determined by departure and return times which are generally prior to 7:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m..
Dinner $12.00
(lunch is never reimbursed)
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Individuals traveling abroad on official business must adhere to all of the previously mentioned guidelines with regard to travel authorization, advances and receipt requirements. Per diem rates for foreign travel follow the rates established by the Federal government in the Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances for Foreign Areas published monthly. This publication is on file in the Business Office and the rates may be obtained by contacting Accounts Payable at Ext. 2407. This information is also available on the WWW at http://www.state.gov/www/perdiems/index.html
The foreign travel rates provide for lodging costs up to a maximum amount and an allowance for meals. If a traveler is not entitled to the full per diem, the meal allowance is divided into 80% for dinner and 20% for breakfast.
Travelers to foreign countries should document the exchange rate for the applicable foreign currency during the dates of travel because conversion to American dollars is required for reimbursement. These exchange rates are later verified by Accounts Payable when the travel voucher is processed.
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Please reference the SUNY Cortland Project Director's Guide.
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TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT TO NON-STATE EMPLOYEES AND STUDENT TRAVEL
Travel reimbursements to non-employees are processed via a New York State Standard Voucher. The Standard Voucher should contain the complete name, home address, and Social Security number of the person being reimbursed and the description block should specify the exact purpose for the payment including dates of the activity. The payee's signature must be entered in the Payee Certification block on the voucher. Effective February 1, 1994, all travel reimbursements to non-employees must be via Method II guidelines which require receipts for lodging (not for meals). All original receipts should be stapled to the Standard Voucher and forwarded for appropriate approval signatures and processing by Accounts Payable.
Reimbursement of student travel expenses may also be made via a Standard Voucher utilizing the same guidelines listed above if the student is attending an officially authorized event or other official University business. Original receipts and appropriate signatures and a justification describing the travel as official and necessary must accompany the voucher for reimbursement.
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These guidelines are supplemental to SUNY Procedures and are to be filed with the New York State Office of the State Comptroller.
The following procedures are fully approved by the State University College at Cortland Intercollegiate Athletics Board (CIAB):
All of the above methods will be administered through the IFR account and New York State structure subject to approval of University procedures by the Office of the State Comptroller; absent that approval, the College will declare and certify in writing the interim fiscal measures necessary to provide reasonable administrative support to Intercollegiate Athletics and may continue local procedures.
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