New Guidance for Purchasing Gift Cards

Gift Card Guidance

This summer, the Blackhawk Gift Card Network, available as a punchout in the UVA Marketplace, became UVA’s preferred gift card vendor for non-employee recipients. However, for employee recipients, gift cards must be purchased using a T&E Card—they cannot be purchased via the Blackhawk Gift Card Network or through a purchase order.

Resources at Your Fingertips

A variety of resources regarding the Blackhawk Gift Card Network are available on the UVAFinance website to help guide you through the process.

Key Things to Know

• Personal Funds: University employees are prohibited from purchasing gift cards with personal funds and seeking reimbursement.

• For Student Recipients: If gift cards are distributed to students, you must seek approval from Student Financial Services prior to purchase or distribution.

• Taxability:

• Gift cards are taxable at any amount.
• For non-employee recipients, departments will be responsible for tracking all gift cards issued. Process TBD - stay tuned for more details.  If Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines prevent tracking certain information, adhere to those specific guidelines.
• For employee recipients, all gift cards will be taxed via Workday Expense, as these purchases are required to be made using a T&E Card.

Need Assistance?

For questions or concerns, contact us at askfinance@virginia.edu. We’re here to help!