What are nonmonetary recognition awards?
A. Nonmonetary recognition awards include such items as: plaques, key chains, paperweights, ball caps, tickets to events, coffee cups, brief cases, or other appropriate items. When possible, these items should contain the Service or the Department name, logo, title, or mission. Supervisors must exercise judgment in granting nonmonetary awards to avoid any possibility of embarrassment to the Service. B. Nonmonetary recognition awards should be of nominal value, so that the employee does not incur a tax liability. Nominal value is defined as any item valued less than $50. C. You may award items of significant value, $50 or more, but appropriate tax withholdings from the employee’s gross wages must be made. Additionally, multiple items should not be awarded on a frequent basis to any individual, as their combined value could also create a tax liability. D. Awards granted for safety achievements are not taxable until they exceed $400 in value. E. Items having a redeemable cash value, such
