Taxability of Awards & Gifts
Policy Statement
Policy Information
Policy Number: 08.02
Issued Date: 07/01/2006

Gifts, rewards or awards may be provided to Duke staff for work-related achievements and/or recognition, making special contributions and achieving major milestones such as years of service, promotion, departure or retirement. The expense for such gifts or awards must follow prescribed accounting and procurement procedures. The Internal Revenue Service classifies many awards to staff as taxable income subject to W-2 reporting and tax withholding.