Non-taxable benefits in kind for directors and employees

Many directors and employees receive perks with their employment. Many of these benefits are taxable. However, there are some non-taxable benefits in kind for directors and employees available. Understanding these will help you maximise profit extraction from your company whilst also staying compliant with HMRC rules.

Non-taxable benefits in kind for directors and employees

Overview

Non-taxable benefits in kind are perks from your company that don’t attract income tax or National Insurance Contributions (NICs). Additionally, these are either legally exempt or considered minor, requiring no HMRC reporting.

Common Non-Taxable Benefits in Kind

We've set out below some of the more popular non-taxable benefits in kind for directors and employees. Equally importantly, these are most relevant where you are a director and shareholder of your own company.  

  • Bicycles and Cycling Equipment - Under the Cycle to Work scheme, your employer can offer tax-free bicycles and equipment. Therefore helping you or your employees save on commuting costs while staying active.
  • Mobile Phone - If your company provides you with a mobile phone for work and personal use, it’s tax-free. Although only if the contract is in the company's name. 
  • Pension Contributions Pension contributions made by your company to your registered pension scheme aren’t taxable and don’t attract NICs. This will help you and your employees save for retirement. 
  • Health Screenings and Medical Check-Ups - You and your employees are entitled to one annual health screening or medical check-up from your company without incurring a tax liability.
  • Work-Related Training - Your company can potentially cover tuition, books, and travel for training without a tax charge where relevant. This will improve your existing skills and those of your employees, potentially helping your business grow..
  • Parking at or Near the Workplace Free or subsidised parking at work is tax-free, a valuable perk in expensive areas. 
  • Eye Tests and Glasses for Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Users - Employers must provide free eye tests for regular screen users, and glasses for work use can be tax-free. 

Additional Non-Taxable Benefits in Kind

Furthermore the following non-taxable benefits in kind can be made available to directors and employees. Although these are more relevant to larger businesses.

  • Long Service Awards - If you’ve worked for your employer for at least 20 years, you may receive a tax-free award worth up to £50 per year of service.
  • Welfare Counselling - Access to counselling for stress, mental health, bereavement, or addiction is tax-free. 

Summary

When used effectively, non-taxable benefits in kind can enhance your own and your employees pay package without incurring additional NI and tax liabilities. Furthermore, they can help motivate and retain your key employees and attract new talent.

Whilst generally tax-free, your company must follow HMRC rules and keep accurate records. However, some benefits require fulfilling specific conditions to qualify. As a result, you should regularly review your benefits packages to ensure you are compliant, whilst maintaining tax efficient profit extraction from your company.

For more useful information, check out our Ebooks here.

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