Length of Service Awards

Length of Service Awards, including retirement gifts, may be presented to employees upon separation of service from Duke University.

All Length of Service Awards:

• Must be approved by a University Officer or Dean
• Should cost $400 or less to be non-taxable
• Can only be given to a staff person who has completed at least five years of service

Detailed Guidelines

Approval

• Before a Length of Service Award can be presented, approval by a University Officer or Dean is required.

Taxability

• An award can cost $400 or less to be non-taxable, and any amount over $400 will be taxed as income to the recipient of the award.

Service Requirements

• Service Requirements - The recipient of the award must have completed at least five years of continuous service and not previously received a Length of Service Award in any of those years.

Other Requirements

• Sales tax should be paid on the award at the time of purchase.
• The Procurement System may not be used to purchase a Length of Service Award.
• Cash or gift certificates cannot be given as a Length of Service Award.
• The award should be presented in a meaningful ceremonial presentation.
• Unless approval is obtained from the grantee, a Length of Service Award cannot be charged to any restricted account funded by a government agency.

Please refer to GAP 200.021, Miscellaneous Reimbursement Payments for Employees and Students, for more information.