This article provides answers to frequently asked questions.
How do users submit receipts?
Receipts can be submitted via the Circula mobile app. The "Benefits" tab is used for this purpose. Click on the yellow plus button on the top right corner, select "Mobility", scan your receipt and submit it.
Can the submitted receipts be viewed?
The submitted receipts can be viewed at any time in the "Benefits" tab. Select the submission that you want to view, and click on the "Receipt" button.
Do users have to keep the receipts?
Circula stores receipts in an audit-proof manner. Unless your company expresses other requirements, receipts do not need to be stored. However, we advise you to keep the receipts until they are approved.
Which means of transport can be used with mobility benefits?
All means of transport are permitted. From S-Bahn, bus, ICE, to bicycle, e-scooter, or car sharing - there are no limits of choice.
Is the mobility budget only applicable to work-related trips?
No, employees are free to choose whether they use the budget for private or trips to the first place of work (Erste Tätigkeitsstätte).
What is the maximum monthly amount of the mobility budget?
Companies are free to set the amount they want to make available to their employees. This way you remain flexible and offer your employees an individual and unique benefit.
What is considered to be the first place of work (Erste Arbeitsstätte)?
The definition of the first place of work depends on internally determined regulations of the company. Section 9 paragraph 4 sentence 1 EStG of the BMF letter serves as orientation.
Which types of mobility are taxed, and which are tax-free?
All journeys by public transport (ÖPNV) within Germany are tax-free. The usual taxes are paid on journeys by individual transport (e.g. cab, scooter, car sharing) and long-distance transport (ICE, IC).
Exceptions: If the trip is a commute to their first place of work (Erste Arbeitsstätte) made by long-distance transportation, taxes are not due for that trip.
Can employees get a refund for their annual public transportation pass?
Yes, submit your monthly pass in the Circula app and the total amount will be paid to you in equal monthly installments until the end of the term.
Example: If you submit an annual pass worth €400, you will receive €33.33 as reimbursement each month.
Can employees reimburse travel by private car?
Yes, employees can submit fuel expenses in the "private transport" category – even for private trips. Note that these costs must be taxed.
Can the mobility budget be used by employees who work in a home office?
Yes! The mobility budget can be used in the home office under the same conditions.
Can the mobility budget be used by employees on short-time work?
Yes, the subsidy is only waived in the case of "short-time work 0" (100% loss of working hours).
Will the data be saved when I change my smartphone?
Yes, your data will be saved in the Circula app. You can log in with your new smartphone.
Will my data be kept confidential?
Yes. Circula ensures that your data is secure. You can find all information about data protection at Circula here.
How does Circula ensure data protection?
All information on data protection at Circula can be found here.
Do you still have questions?
💬 Chat Support
📞+49 30 588 491 01
✉️️ support@circula.com