When is it justifiable to provide compensation using an alternative method of payment (gift card, petty cash etc) while still collecting tax information?

Answer:  There is no black and white answer to this question.  The answer is based on the specifics of the study, however, some possible justifications may include:

  • Subjects are poor and need the compensation in order to buy gas to get home. 
  • Subjects are young children, for which immediate gratification is helpful.