GE Internal Revision Date 4/01/08

Transcription

1 Global Mobility Services (GMS) reserves the right to interpret the meaning of the GE Relocation Program and to make the final decision in all cases. GMS may also modify the program at any time without notice. Employees may or may not be authorized to receive all benefits outlined in this program. The program does not constitute a contract of employment, nor should it be construed to create any contractual rights on the behalf of the employee or any obligations on behalf of GE. In addition, should an employee who has relocated under the GE Relocation Program voluntarily terminate employment within one (1) year of the relocation, GE reserves the right to seek full repayment of all paid or reimbursed relocation costs from the individual.

2 The GE Relocation Program Congratulations on your new assignment! GE wants your relocation to be a successful process from start to finish. These materials describing GE's Relocation Program are designed to guide you through each aspect of your relocation as quickly and easily as possible. Success Depends on Careful Planning Under GE's relocation program, you have up to one year from your effective date of transfer to complete your relocation. Be sure to talk with your hiring manager or Human Resources representative to understand any limits set by your business for expenses and the amount of time you spend away from your job for relocation-related activities. In addition to the cost of your relocation, all of the costs associated with the purchase and/or sale of your home are the financial responsibility of the business to which you are transferring. You can help contain the cost to your new business by looking for ways to minimize the expense of your move. All expense reports for costs associated with the relocation must be submitted to the GE Relocation Center within 30 days of the date incurred. Only the Relocation Center can process reimbursements for relocation expenses. Keep in mind that this program applies to Company-requested, domestic transfers involving a change in residence that meets the Internal Revenue Service's 50-mile distance requirement in order for you to receive tax assistance for moving expenses. (See the section on tax liability and allowance that follows.) Specific reimbursements associated with a move will be decided on an individual basis. There are, however, some situations and expenses that are not covered by this program. For instance, the program does not apply to: Call the GE Domestic Relocation Center at ( GE'S-RELO) International Relocations must call or Temporary work assignments Summer interns or co-ops Employees represented by collective bargaining agreements Employees affected by termination, voluntary resignation, or lack of work

3 Employees retiring from the Company. GE authorizes one relocation package per household per assignment. Services of the GE Relocation Center GE has established the GE Relocation Center to assist employees with Company-requested transfers. Key elements include the professional services of: The Pre-Transfer Consultant The GE Relocation Consultant assigned to work with you The Real Estate "Choice Broker" whom you select One of the first things you should do is contact the GE Domestic Relocation Center's Pre-Transfer Consultant at (1-800-GE'S-RELO). All International Relocations should contact or The Domestic Pre-Transfer Consultant can answer any general questions you may have about your move, and provide you the list of Choice Brokers for your area so that you can begin the selection process at once! As soon as your hiring manager or Human Resources representative has submitted your relocation authorization to the GE Relocation Center, you can expect a call from your designated Relocation Consultant. He or she will review the relocation process with you and answer your questions about GE's relocation provisions and assist you in getting access to the "My Move" web site. This web site provides access to information specific to your move. It also provides tips and tools to help you through the process, as well as access to comprehensive destination information. Qualifications for the Relocation Program To qualify under the Relocation Program, a home must be your primary residence immediately prior to transfer. The program does not apply to: Secondary properties, summer residences and vacation homes Property with more than two units Undeveloped building lots Waiver fees or transfer fees imposed on cooperative apartments If ownership of your residence is shared with one or more persons outside of a legal family relationship, reimbursement for home sale and home purchase will be equal to the percentage of ownership, not to exceed fifty percent (50%). GE reserves the right to deny acceptance under the program if the home does not meet these and other requirements. Your Relocation Consultant can provide more detailed information about eligibility.

4 Selling Your Home Choice Broker List The Pre-Transfer Consultant or your Relocation Consultant can provide you with information and a listing of the real estate firms included in the Choice Broker program for both your current and new location. The Choice Broker program consists of real estate agencies that are experienced in providing service in your community. These agencies are evaluated by the GE Relocation Center to ensure they have a reputation of timely, successful sales and meet the highest standards of customer service. Get Your Relocation Consultant Involved in Your Earliest Decisions It's important that you involve your Relocation Consultant at the very beginning of both your home-sale process and new home purchase before you interview prospective brokers or decide which brokers will list your home and assist you with the purchase of your new home. After careful consideration of your Choice Broker, you must advise your Relocation Consultant immediately of your selection. Your broker will need to be registered with the GE Relocation Center by agreeing to provide service as outlined in the Choice Broker service and listing agreements. If the real estate broker you use to sell your home is not registered with the GE Relocation Center, you will be required to pay 1% of the real estate brokers commission payable in connection with the sale of your home. By working with a Choice Broker and a Relocation Consultant, you receive quality assistance in the sale of your home to achieve the best possible price. Home Sale Expenses You may be eligible for the following reimbursements provided it is the local custom for the seller to pay these expenses: Real estate agent's commission, provided it does not exceed the standard percentage, up to 6%. NOTE: You will be required to pay 1% of the real estate commission if your agent is not registered with the GE Relocation Center. Attorney's fees up to 0.5% of sales price, not to exceed $1000 Documentary tax stamps Recording of discharge of mortgage Penalty for mortgage pre-payment, if not waived by the lender Tax on transfer of property levied by the state or local taxing jurisdiction (excludes income taxes) Cost of furnishing abstracts of title and/or title insurance (lender coverage only) Tax search Escrow or conveyance fee, including mortgage transfer fee.

5 Any incentives provided to a buyer such as broker bonuses, buyer-closing costs, VA/FHA discount points, warranties, etc. are not reimbursed. Buying a Home at Your New Location Choosing from the Choice Broker List The GE Relocation Center will provide you with the Choice Broker list of real estate agencies that are especially qualified and experienced to provide service in the community to which you are relocating. You should select a broker from this list as early as possible, so that he or she can begin the house hunting process. As soon as you have selected a broker, notify your Relocation Consultant of your choice to ensure your broker is registered. If you choose to use a broker who is not listed as a Choice Broker, you will need to have the broker registered with the GE Relocation Center. Covered Home Purchase Reimbursements You may be eligible for the following reimbursements: Mortgage origination fee, provided that it is the mortgage company's standard practice to charge this fee. The fee may not exceed one percent (1%) of the mortgage amount. This fee is not tax assisted. Escrow or conveyance fees, including mortgage transfer fee Attorney's fees up to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of purchase price, not to exceed $1,000 Mortgage approval and credit rating fees Mortgage tax Fees for examination of title and/or lender title insurance policy (Owner's title insurance is not eligible for reimbursement.) Recording fee Appraisal fee Survey expense, if required. (May not exceed $500.) Tax on transfer of real estate. (Not to include income taxes) Termite, water/well, septic, structural/home inspection fees, radon gas, asbestos, and mold inspection fees up to $250 each. Please note the above expenses will be covered provided: 1. These are customary buyer-paid expenses in your new locale; 2. You owned a home at your old location, and 3. You are closing on the purchase of a primary residence at your new location. Keep in mind that the sale of one home and the purchase of another must be completed within one year from your effective date of transfer.

6 Expenses that are Not Covered: Mortgage insurance (PMI) which, in some instances, is required by the lending institution for loans with minimal down payments Flood insurance Buyer-Broker Fee Pre-closing on new home construction loans Mold remediation Water penetration repair(s) Home repair and/or improvement(s) Obtaining a New Mortgage Relocating employees are eligible for special considerations if they apply for a mortgage through one of the national lending institutions with whom GE has contractual arrangements with favorable pricing: Cartus Home Loans, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Bank of America and Citi Mortgage. You should contact each of these organizations for mortgage information. Via the Web or the toll free numbers listed below: Bank of America Cartus Home Loans Citi Mortgage Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Following are some of the attractive features these lenders offer: Easy application process A variety of mortgage pro-ducts specially designed for relocating employees Quick approval process Lenient qualification requirements The advantage of direct billing of closing costs to the GE Relocation Center for your reimbursable home purchase expenses.

7 Moving In Moving Your Household Goods Early in the relocation process your GE Relocation Consultant will discuss moving arrangements using GE-contracted van lines. Every effort will be made to load and deliver at your convenience, based on size of shipment and time of year. A representative of the assigned moving company will contact you to discuss details of the pick-up of household goods from your old residence and the delivery of those goods to your new residence. Take this opportunity to discard any unused goods prior to shipment date. Any goods that may be sent to storage should be separately identified. For your protection, you should examine your furniture and household articles closely for scratches, cracks and other defects before moving. The inventory sheet made by the movers at the time of packing and loading is the controlling document covering both the articles shipped and the condition of the articles at the time of shipment. Before signing, check the sheet and make changes if you are not in agreement with it. In addition to the above-mentioned inventory sheet, you are required to complete a High Value Inventory Form inventory sheet for specialty items valued at $2,500 or above. The purpose of this documentation is to alert the movers to the need for extra protection and special handling of these valuable items during the move. When your household goods are delivered to your new home, check each item against your copy of the inventory sheet as it comes off the van or into your house. If something is missing or damaged, point it out to the driver and mark it on both the mover's and your inventory sheets. Do not sign any delivery papers for the driver until delivery is completed, all items are received and accounted for and the inventory sheets have been checked off. If, for some reason, you are unable to inspect all boxes, please indicate on the inventory sheets "Delivered Not Inspected." If you don't make this notation on the inventory sheets, the van line and the insurance company will refuse to honor or accept any insurance claim(s) made against the van line for the move. Special Considerations When Moving Reassembly: When unloading at your new home, the moving crew will place furniture as you direct. Articles taken apart by movers, such as beds or table legs, are reassembled, and rugs are laid. Appliances: Some appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, ranges, television sets, and stereos require servicing before they are loaded on the van. When this is necessary, the mover will arrange for this service at the origin and the destination. GE will pay normal service charges for disconnecting appliances and preparing them for shipment at the origin and connecting your appliances in your new residence, provided the necessary facilities are available within the house. GE will not pay for parts, electrical or plumbing changes, wiring, venting, purchase of a TV antenna, etc. If you have a freezer: It is necessary to discuss the handling of this appliance with the mover prior to making final arrangements. You should dispose of all frozen foods prior to your moving date, as GE does not pay for storing or transporting frozen foods.

8 Automobiles: Arrangements can be made to ship one or two automobiles with your household goods, or separately by an automobile transportation service. Your Relocation Consultant can make these arrangements for you. Personal office equipment: You will need to dismantle your computer and pack it in its original box, if possible. The movers will not be responsible for dismantling or reassembling computer equipment. If you have GE property such as office furniture or equipment that the Company has authorized for use in your home that is to be included in your move: You must identify it to the movers as GE property so it can be recorded on a separate invoice. Valuables: Certain valuables, such as currency, stamp or coin collections, important documents, jewelry, watches, precious stones, furs, works of art, etc., should be carried with you or transported by other means. If you choose to transport any of these items via the moving van, please be aware that the mover is not responsible for loss. GE's insurance policy does not cover these items. To ensure coverage for loss or damage of these items, you will need to purchase separate insurance at your own expense. Similarly, houseplants should be transported by you, rather than by movers, since it is not possible to provide for normal plant care during the move. Non-household items: GE will provide moving for certain large, non-household items, including portable hot tubs, snowmobiles, riding lawn mowers, gas grills (provided tanks are empty), pianos and organs. GE does not pay or reimburse for shipping firewood, construction materials, storage sheds, planes or boats more than 16 feet in length, nor will the Company pay for the cost of shipping livestock or large farm implements/equipment, guns or ammunition. Gratuities to the movers are not a Company-reimbursable expense. Storage It is sometimes necessary for household goods to be stored before final delivery to your new home. These goods will be stored at a warehouse in or near your new town, so that final delivery can be made conveniently. GE will pay storage charges for up to three months (90 days), along with removal charges provided the move is completed within one year from your effective date of transfer. Insurance Coverage GE carries household-goods insurance through Electric Insurance Company for the repair/replacement cost of the goods being moved. The insurance coverage does not apply to do-ityourself moves involving rental trucks or an employee's own vehicle. If you choose to move goods on your own rather than using the van line, you need to purchase an adequate amount of additional insurance for which you will be reimbursed. GE's insurance does not cover watercraft, aircraft or mobile homes, nor the items listed in the valuables section. GE insurance does cover automobiles, motorcycles and trailers if the vehicle is in the van line's custody and being moved by the van line. If you experience damage or loss of goods, contact Electric Insurance Company at All claims must be filed no later than 90 days after delivery to your home. A claims specialist will evaluate the extent of damage. An independent adjuster may also contact you to document the loss or damage.

9 Treatment of Taxable 'Supplemental Wages' Most relocation-expense reimbursements and payments made on your behalf will be considered income to you and will be added to your earnings. Because they are treated, as supplemental wages, these reimbursements and payments will also be subject to federal, state, local and FICA tax withholding. Your Relocation Consultant will provide a Federal Tax summary chart to you. For federal income tax purposes, the withholding rate is a flat twenty- five percent (25%), while the rate for state and local taxes vary. The Company will give you a tax allowance to help offset your federal, state and local tax liability, but does not provide a tax allowance to offset FICA taxes. Any tax allowance provided to you is added to your earnings and subject to withholding. Estimated Tax Liability The tax allowance you receive is an estimate of your tax liability. There may be a difference between the amounts of tax allowance added to your earnings compared to the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck/reimbursement. This may impact your net pay/reimbursement. There may also be additional withholding from your paycheck/reimbursement for FICA taxes, which are not covered by your tax allowance. Distance Test for Tax Assistance In order to receive tax assistance for moving expenses and meet the GE relocation guidelines, the move must satisfy the IRS "distance test." This requires that your new main job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your old main job location was. For example, if your old job was three miles from your former home, your new job must be at least 53 miles from that home. Summary of Your Incurred Relocation Expenses A summary of the relocation expenses you incurred during a calendar year will be provided by the GE Relocation Center in January of the year following your move. This should be used in preparing your federal and state income tax returns. For more information about your taxes, you should consult a professional tax preparer, an accountant or a local IRS service center about the taxability of these transfer expense reimbursements. The cost of consultation with a tax expert is not a reimbursable expense.

10 Additional Reimbursement Options House Hunting, Temporary Living and En Route Expenses Two reimbursement options may be available to you for these expenses. They are Lump-sum Monetary Payment (LUMP) or Actual Cost Tracking (ACT). Transfer Allowance Under certain conditions, a transferring employee may be eligible for a transfer allowance to offset miscellaneous expenses and fees associated with physical relocation of your household. If applicable, your Relocation Consultant or your business will provide you with additional materials and limits pertaining to these benefits. Please remember that at any time in the process you can seek the advice and guidance of your GE Relocation Consultant or your Human Resources representative. Don't hesitate to ask questions especially before entering into contractual agreements or incurring costs that may not be necessary or reimbursable. Careful management of your time and resources will help to ensure a timely and cost-efficient move. Please plan well and make good use of the many resources GE has made available to you. Best wishes in your new assignment.