Electric company cars
The really low benefit in kind percentages for fully electric company cars provided to directors and employees are very generous.
The relevant taxable benefit in kind percentage in 2022/23 is 2% x the list price. It has also been confirmed that employees with fully electric company cars will be taxed on the 2022/23 benefit in kind rate of 2% for 2023/24 and 2024/25. With a list price of say £50,000 the taxable benefit would be just £1,000. As a higher rate taxpayer the cost to be employee would be just £400 for the whole year. This offers a good opportunity as the arrangement could include free car charging, an employer funded charging point at home and motor running costs.
Electric vans
Due to their tax efficiency, company electric vans are a popular choice for many directors and employees. From 6 April 2021 a nil van benefit charge for employees for fully electric vans exists, even with some private use, making the cost to the employee zero.
Vans and car fuel 2022/23
Road fuel is generally not very tax efficient for cars. The car fuel benefit multiplier has increased to £25,300.
The flat rate van benefit charge has increased to £3,600 with the fuel benefit figure being £688 for 2022/23. These figures are relatively modest, and can be appealing from a tax perspective if a vehicle is to be provided for private use. If the employee merely uses the van to commute, that is not considered personal use so no benefit in charge would apply. However, it would be wise to keep a mileage log in case HMRC ask for proof.
Trivial benefits
These benefits continue to prove very popular with our clients as there is an exemption from tax for trivial benefits given to directors and employees, subject to certain qualify criteria.
A benefit is trivial if:
· it cost you £50 or less to provide (including VAT)
· it isn’t cash or a cash voucher
· it isn’t a reward for staff work or performance
· it isn’t in the terms of their contract
For directors of close companies (one run by 5 or fewer shareholders) there is a £300 cap on the exempt trivial benefits which can be provided to a director in the tax year.
Assets made available to an employee
Where an employee enjoys the use of an asset other than a car, van or living accommodation, the cash equivalent of the benefit is 20% of the market value of the asset when it is first provided. If the asset is subsequently transferred to an employee, then he or she is charged to tax, at that time, on the higher of the market value of the asset at the time of the transfer of ownership or at the time it was originally provided, less the total amounts charged on any employee as a taxable benefit for the use of the asset.
Office parties
The provision by the employer of a Christmas party or other similar annual function for the employees, will not give rise to a taxable benefit for the employees as long as the costs of the party did not exceed £150 per head This will mean that for most office parties, there will be no corresponding tax charge on the employees. If the employer provides two or more functions, all the functions will be exempt provided the total cost per head does not exceed the £150 limit.
Late night taxis
Late night taxis provided by an employer to staff are exempt from tax, subject to certain conditions which need to be satisfied. The employee must be required to work later than usual and until at least 9pm. No more than 60 trips can be paid for per year and it must be impossible or impractical for the worker to travel home by public transport.
Conclusion
There are some benefits which can be provided which are exempt from tax or cause a minimal tax charge on the employees and directors. However, it is essential to ensure that you meet the qualifying conditions before providing the benefit. Talk to us. We are here to help you.
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