Policy 3311: Employee Gifts and Awards

Category: Human Resources
Subcategory: Employment
Covered Individuals: All Employees
Responsible Executive: Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services
Policy Custodian: Controller’s Office, Controller
Last Revised: 2026/08/07
Previous USU Policy Number: 505
Download the PDF File for Policy 3311

3311.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The University understands the importance of creating and encouraging a supportive work environment. As such, departments may recognize employees with occasional gifts and awards. This policy provides guidelines regarding the value and type of gifts or awards that may be given to employees and the characteristics that make them non-taxable or taxable.

3311.2 POLICY

Department heads may authorize the purchase of gifts and awards to employees using University funds to acknowledge years of service, retirement, and other special occasions. Depending on the frequency, value, and form, gifts to employees are classified as non-taxable or taxable.

2.1  Events and Occasions

2.1.1  Length of Service

Employees may receive gifts and service awards to recognize length of service, which should be accompanied by a meaningful recognition event. The value of the gift should consider the number of years of service and should be given only after the employee has achieved at least five years of service.

2.1.2  Retirement/Separation

Employees may receive retirement/separation gifts to recognize their service to the University, which should be accompanied by a meaningful retirement/separation event. Gifts that do not exceed $400 are non-taxable to the employee. For gifts valued over $400, the amount exceeding $400 is considered taxable to the employee and must be reported using the Taxable Gift and Award process.

2.1.3  Other Special Occasions

2.1.3.1  Bereavement

Departments may purchase flowers, plants, cards, or mementos using University funds up to $100 for the death of a current employee or Immediate Family Member. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charitable organization or a purpose designated by the family, provided it is within the same $100 limit and is appropriately documented.

2.1.3.2  Hospitalization

Departments may purchase flowers/plants using University funds up to $100 for an employee who is hospitalized.

2.1.3.3 Holiday Events

Departments may purchase gifts using University funds for holiday events. The value of the gift should not exceed $100 per employee.

2.1.3.4 Recognition Events

Departments may purchase gifts using University funds for employee recognition events. Gifts that do not exceed $100 are non-taxable to the employee. Gifts valued over $100 are taxable to the employee and must be reported using the Taxable Gift and Award process.

2.1.4  Best Interest of the University

2.1.4.1 Employee

There may be other special occasions where it is in the best interest of the University to purchase a gift for an employee. In such cases, the value of the gift should not exceed $100 and should be approved by the appropriate Department Head.

2.1.4.2 Non-Employee

There may be other special occasions where it is in the best interest of the University to send a gift to individuals (e.g. donors, governing board members, students etc.). In such cases, the value of the gift should be reasonable and appropriate for the occasion and should be approved by the appropriate Dean or Vice President.

It is prohibited for a USU employee to offer gifts or incentives to non-employees to secure special privileges or exemptions for themselves or others.

2.1.5 Other

Gifts given to Immediate Family Members of current employees must be approved by the appropriate Dean or Vice President. The value of the gift is taxable to the employee and must be reported using the Taxable Gift and Award process. See Section 2.2 for taxability.

2.2 Form of Gifts and Awards

De minimis gifts and awards are non-taxable to the employee when the gift or award is tangible personal property, is given on an occasional basis, and is valued at less than $100.

Cash, cash equivalents, and non-USU gift cards are taxable to the employee, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, and must be reported using the Taxable Gift and Award process.

2.3 Unallowable

Gifts for employee’s personal life events (e.g., birthdays, showers, weddings, graduations) may not be purchased with University funds. However, the purchase of greeting cards for acknowledgement is allowable.

3311.3 RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Transaction Coordinators

Verify that expenditures are consistent with policy requirements and documented.

3.2 Business Managers

Verify that expenditures are allowable and allocable. When a gift/award is taxable, ensure the ‘Taxable Gift and Award’ process is followed.

3.3 Department Heads

Authorize purchases of gifts and awards to employees.

3.4 Dean or Vice Presidents

Authorize purchases of gifts to non-employees and family members of employees.

3.5 Controller's Office

Monitor compliance with tax reporting requirements.

3311.4 REFERENCES

3311.5 RELATED USU POLICIES

3311.6 DEFINITIONS

  • De minimis - A de minimis gift is one for which, considering its value and the frequency with which it is provided, is so small as to make accounting for it unreasonable or impractical. USU has defined de minimis to be $100 or less.
  • Immediate Family Member – As defined in Policy 3105: Other Leave.

Information below is not included as part of the contents of the official policy. It is provided only as a convenience for readers/users and may be changed at any time by persons authorized by the president.

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POLICY HISTORY

Original issue date: 2006/08/15
Last review date: 2026/08/07
Next scheduled review date: 2029/06/01
Previous revision dates: 2025/11/07, 2024/11/01, 2018/07/11, 2006/08/15