Insights
Can I Claim Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)?
Fringe Benefits Tax is a tax payable by you on any benefits you have paid to employees in place of salary or wages. Fringe Benefits can be a useful way of attracting and retaining quality staff as they are perceived as a non-cash incentive or as a salary packaging option.
Fringe benefits include any rights, privileges or services provided to current, former or future employees or directors of a business. Common benefits include; utilisation of work vehicles for private purposes; low or no interest loans, school fees, health insurance, gym memberships and entertainment such as food, drink or recreation.
FBT was created when the government realised that employers were being creative when paying benefits instead of salary. The most common fringe benefit is for vehicles where the employer picks up the cost of the car and provides the car for their employees’ use.
Advantages for small businesses of paying Benefits
As a business owner – you will likely have your own expenses that can be paid for by the business rather than out of your salary or drawings. The amount of tax on a FB payment is the same as personal tax i.e. 47%, rather than company tax of 27.5%. However, as a business, you can claim the GST component and receive the tax deduction for the expense. There may or may not be tax advantages to you in offering fringe benefits to your employees. If you are offering them or considering offering them, talk to us to see whether it will be beneficial to you or not.
What is not classed as a Fringe Benefit?
Superannuation, salary, wages, termination payments and shares acquired under employee approved schemes are not subject to FBT. Additionally, work-related items such as tools of the trade, mobile phones, computer software, some car parking, protective clothing and minor expenses under $300.
What do I need to do if I am providing Fringe benefits to employees?
Firstly, you need to check if you are registered for FBT. We can do that for you. Secondly, you need to keep all records related to the benefits and then report it. The FBT year runs from 1 April to 31 March and you will need to submit this information to your accountant for it to be lodged. Lastly, you will need to pay your FBT liability to the ATO.
The calculations for establishing the FBT amounts can be quite complicated, depending on the type of benefit and whether it includes GST or not. At Modoras, we can make the process simple and calculate this for you. To arrange a discussion to talk about your Fringe Benefits Tax options and obligations call 1300 888 803 or email us today: info@modoras.com
There are many different aspects to tax. Keep reading with the below articles:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This blog has been prepared by Modoras Accounting (QLD) Pty. Ltd. ABN 81 601 145 215. The information and opinions contained in this blog is general information only and is not intended to represent specific personal advice (Accounting, taxation, financial, insurance or credit). No individuals’ personal circumstances have been taken into consideration for the preparation of this material. The information and opinions herein do not constitute any recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any particular financial product. Modoras Accounting (QLD) Pty. Ltd. recommends that no financial product or financial service be acquired or disposed of or financial strategy adopted without you first obtaining professional personal financial advice suitable and appropriate to your own personal needs, objectives, goals and circumstances. Information, forecasts and opinions contained in this blog can change without notice. Modoras Accounting (QLD) Pty. Ltd. does not guarantee the accuracy of the information at any particular time. Although care has been exercised in compiling the information contained within, Modoras Accounting (QLD) Pty. Ltd. does not warrant that the articles within are free from errors, inaccuracies or omissions. To the extent permissible by law, neither Modoras Accounting (QLD) Pty. Ltd. nor its employees, representatives or agents (including associated and affiliated companies) accept liability for loss or damages incurred as a result of a person acting in reliance of this publication. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
