The scope of the trivial benefits legislation
The trivial benefits legislation provides a simple and practical tax exemption that allows employers to give small non-cash benefits to employees without triggering tax or National Insurance charges.
To qualify as a trivial benefit, the cost to the employer must not exceed £50 per item. The benefit
Company car expenses and benefits – what’s exempt?
While company cars often come with tax implications, there are specific situations where the associated benefits may be exempt. There are circumstances where it can be possible to offer employees car benefits that are exempt from tax.
Exempt expenses and benefits include the
Avoiding the car fuel benefit charge
Employees with company cars may be paying unnecessary tax on private fuel, when reimbursing the cost of private fuel in full can often remove the car fuel benefit charge altogether.
Where an employee is provided with a company car and fuel for private use, the default position is that the employee
Taxable company benefits
As an employee, you pay tax on certain company benefits, such as cars, accommodation, and loans. Your employer calculates the tax you owe and deducts it through Pay As You Earn (PAYE). The amount of tax depends on the type and value of the benefit.
Some company benefits are tax-free, including
Festive Reminders: Tax Rules on Christmas Gifting and Benefits in Kind
By James Gibson, Director As the festive season approaches, many directors look for ways to thank their teams, or even treat themselves, with gifts and celebrations. While generosity is encouraged, it’s important to keep HMRC rules in mind to avoid unexpected tax charges. Here’s what you need to know: Tax Allowances and Trivial Benefits for […]
Tax and trivial benefits
There is a trivial benefit-in-kind (BiK) exemption that applies to small, non-cash gifts (such as a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers) that are occasionally given to employees.
This exemption enables employers to offer modest, tax-efficient rewards while simplifying the administration of BiKs.
Taxable benefits for use of company car
The tax you pay on the use of a company car depends largely on its CO2 emissions, so choosing a lower emission or electric vehicle can make a significant difference to your overall tax cost.
The benefits in kind (BIK) tax on company cars can be quite significant, with taxable rates ranging from 3%
Using your own car for work purposes
Using your own car or bike for work travel? You may be able to claim tax relief for business mileage.
If you are employed and spend your own money on items needed for your job, you may be eligible to claim tax relief on those expenses. However, you can usually only claim tax relief on items that
Claim for a business journey in a private vehicle
Use your own vehicle for work? You could be entitled to a tax-free mileage allowance. Make sure you are not missing out on HMRC-approved rates.
If you use your own car, van, motorcycle, or bicycle for business journeys, you may be entitled to a tax-free mileage allowance from your employer. This is
Repay private fuel provided for company cars
Employees using company fuel for private journeys can sidestep a hefty benefit charge by repaying the full private fuel cost to their employer by 6 July 2025. Miss the deadline, and tax becomes unavoidable.
This repayment process is known as "making good," and requires the employee to