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[almost_done]

My new tt job reimbursed me for my cross-country moving expenses from my recent relocation. I was told to get 3 written estimates and the costs of the lowest would be reimbursed. This is what I did. I paid the moving company upfront on my credit card and then turned in the receipt and other estimates to HR. The full amount was reimbursed to me.

So here's the wrinkle: This week, I get a notice from the moving company that the estimate I was given was a "Not to exceed" estimate and when they calculated the actual cost of the move based on the actual weight of my stuff, it was actually $600 less than the price I paid upfront, so they gave me a $600 credit on my credit card statement.

Do I:

1) Not tell anyone at my school and chalk up the $600 bonus as compensation for the pain and suffering I encountered in dealing with the moving company, which was delayed and damaged a few IKEA items that were not covered by full liability insurance?

2) Tell someone at my school that I was over-reimbursed and write the school a $600 check? If so, who do I tell? I'm at a large, fairly anonymous state school- each time I visit HR, I deal with a different person, so I can imagine alot of confusion and explalining to multiple people to handle this transaction.

3) Donate the amount to the school as a tax-deductible donation. Is that tacky since it's really "their" money anyway?

Any advice?

[icurhere2]

I would say the answer is number 2 . . .

[daniel_von_flanagan]

It is often quite difficult to return money to the university.  I have run into this on occasion when I've been cut a check for conference expenses, then came in under.  You should inform the university in writing (to cover your backside), and if they don't want the money back then use it in a documentable way that supports the university or your department. - DvF

[icurhere2]

The last time I was overpaid (per diem on an expense report when I was ineligible), I just wrote a letter to the appropriate departments (copy to administrator above me) and enclosed a check with the memo "Overpayment on claim #XYZ".  The Business Office quickly cashed the check.

[peitho]

Although I feel your pain, I believe you should inform the university of the error.  If they don't want the money, you conscious is clear.  You can always use it to bribe your students into giving you solid evaluations...

[almost_done]

Thanks for all your help and advice. You will be happy to know that I did the right thing and informed the administrator who had previously been most helpful to me in getting my move reimbursed. I wrote a check back to the school and the matter was resolved with very minimal paperwork, considering the otherwise bureaucratic environment. My school has been very generous with me on multiple fronts, so it felt good to pay it forward, so to speak.

[august_leo]

I know #2 is the right thing, but I wonder about keeping the money until you are moved in. Maybe you will find additional expenses and then use some of it and provide receipts and give them $400 or something.

[iomhaigh]

I know #2 is the right thing, but I wonder about keeping the money until you are moved in. Maybe you will find additional expenses and then use some of it and provide receipts and give them $400 or something.

Yup -- are you sure that they do not also cover packing supplies, travel for you, etc.?