Frequently Asked Questions - TaxSmart - Ticket Types - Fares - Translink
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I save?
The exact amount you will save is based on your own individual circumstances including your salary and tax band. As Translink do not know any of these details about you we cannot quote exactly what you will save. Please seek advice from your employer in relation to the tax saving you will make on annual bus travel by joining the TaxSmart scheme.
Can I obtain a TaxSmart Card for any bus journey in
TaxSmart Cards can be obtained for nearly every bus journey undertaken in
Can I use my TaxSmart Card for any other Metro or Ulsterbus journey?
No, you can only use your TaxSmart Card for unlimited travel between the “From” and “To” points printed on your card.
When can I join?
You can join the TaxSmart Scheme at any point throughout the year. The sooner you join, the sooner you start saving. All TaxSmart Cards start on the 1st of every month.
How many TaxSmart Cards can I have?
You can only hold one TaxSmart Card at any one time but considering that a TaxSmart Card can be obtained for your specific bus journey you only need one TaxSmart Card at a time.
Can I use my TaxSmart Card for travel other than commuting to work?
Yes, providing that you mainly use your TaxSmart Card for travel between home and work which are termed as ‘qualifying journeys’ under the TaxSmart Scheme. This means you can use your card for travel at weekends if you wish.
Will I be asked to prove that I use my TaxSmart Card for qualifying journeys?
No, you will not be asked at any stage to prove that you are using your TaxSmart Card for ‘qualifying journeys’. However, you can only join the TaxSmart Scheme by agreeing that you will use your TaxSmart Card mainly for qualifying journeys.
I don’t use the bus everyday; can I still join the TaxSmart Scheme?
Yes, providing you use your TaxSmart Card mainly for travel between home and work. Depending on your hours or days worked it may be better for you to buy a different Translink ticket or Smartcard. TaxSmart Cards are best value for customers using bus services most of the working week.
Can I leave the TaxSmart Scheme early?
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) rules governing the scheme require a one year commitment to be made. You can join at any time during the year. Tax rules allow you to leave the scheme early if you experience a change in life circumstances such as:
- Moving home (travel no longer needed)
- Long term leave (no reason to travel)
- Termination of employment
- Disability (making bus travel impracticable or very difficult)
Providing you do not leave the TaxSmart Scheme early due to one of these reasons, Translink will write to you towards the end of your annual contract giving you the option to opt out of the TaxSmart Scheme. If you do not opt out of the scheme your contract will be automatically renewed and your card will be valid for a further one year.
Can a member of my family use my TaxSmart Card?
No, your TaxSmart Card will be issued for your personal use only. It will be personalised with your name and photograph.
How do I pay for my TaxSmart Card?
Your employer deducts the discounted cost of your TaxSmart Card directly from your salary. The deductions usually take place on a monthly basis but may vary depending on how often you are paid. Your employer then pays Translink on a monthly basis for each employee in the TaxSmart Scheme.
Will a TaxSmart Card affect my entitlement to state benefits?
Employees that could be affected are those earning above the National Minimum Wage rate but who have weekly earnings less than the lower earnings limit for National Insurance Contributions. Please check with your Payroll Department for further advice.
What happens at the end of the 12 month period?
You will be sent a reminder letter confirming that your TaxSmart Card will be valid for a further year. There is no need to reapply. You can opt out of the TaxSmart Scheme at this stage if you wish.
What happens if I want to change the travel details on my TaxSmart Card?
If you need to change your travel details at any time please contact Translink’s Ticketing Systems Department on 028 9075 9129. If this change requires Translink to issue you with a new card we will do so. There will be no
administration charge for a new card. You should also advise your employer of any changes made so that they can make any necessary adjustments to your salary deductions.
What happens if I want to change my personal details on my TaxSmart Card e.g. name?
If you need to change your personal details at any time please contact Translink’s Ticketing Systems Department on 028 9075 9129. If this change requires Translink to issue you with a new card we will do so. There will be no administration charge for a new card.
Are part-time employees eligible?
Yes, but depending on your part-time hours or days worked it may be better for you buy a different Translink ticket or Smartcard. TaxSmart Cards are best value for customers using bus services most of the working week. Find out more about other Translink tickets >>
What happens if my 60th birthday is less than 12 months away?
Translink would generally recommend that you do NOT apply for a TaxSmart Card if this is the case. Free travel is available on Translink bus and rail services to eligible residents of Northern Ireland who are 60 years of age and over. This free travel is funded by the Department for Regional Development and in order to obtain a 60 Smartpass to enjoy free bus and rail journeys you must complete the necessary application form. To obtain a 60 Smartpass application form please call 0845 600 0049 or ask for one at your local bus or rail station.
Can I get a TaxSmart Card for train travel?
No, HMRC rules currently do not allow for discounted train travel through salary sacrifice schemes.
I already have a Translink Travel Card?
If you already have a Translink Annual Commuter Card or Smartlink Card valid for travel on Metro or Ulsterbus services you may be entitled to a refund on any unused journeys or travel period after you get your new TaxSmart Card. Please send your previous Translink Travel Card with a covering letter to the address below after you have received your new TaxSmart Card: Translink Ticketing Systems Department, 3 Milewater Road,Belfast BT3 9BG.
When will I receive my TaxSmart Card?
Once you have accepted a quotation by completing the Application Form and returning it by the date specified on the form, your TaxSmart Card will be sent to your home address approximately one week prior to the card start date. You will be able to use your card from the 1st of the following month. You will receive advice and instructions on how to use your card.
Are there any other conditions?
The TaxSmart Card discount is only available from employers participating in Translink’s TaxSmart Scheme who are operating an employer salary sacrifice scheme approved by HMRC.
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