TAX FOCUS: COMMON FBT EXEMPTIONS
With the Fringe Benefits Tax deadline fast approaching, small businesses should review some of the key FBT issues.
The FBT for the year ending 31 March 2013 is 46.5%, on the grossed-up taxable value of fringe benefits provided to employees during the FBT year.
Common fringe benefits exempt from the tax include:
- Newspapers and periodicals provided for business purposes
- Workers compensation
- Work site medical facilities
- Meals provided by the employer and consumed on work premises
- Minor benefits less than $300 that are provided infrequently
- Work related items such as protective clothing, briefcases, calculators, tools of trade, notebook computers, electronic diaries and personal organisers
- Taxi travel to and from work
Self assess liability
FBT is a self assessment system, with large penalties for underpayment. Certain employers may pay FBT by instalments. An employer whose previous year’s FBT liability was at least $3000 must pay in quarterly instalments, rather than annually by 21 May.
Employees payment summary
If the business provides fringe benefits with a total taxable income of more than $2000 in the FBT year, then the grossed-up taxable value of $3738 must be reported in the employee’s payment summary for the corresponding income year.
Record keeping exemption
An employer that provides fringe benefits in a year below $7642 for the 2012/13 financial year may be exempt from keeping FBT records.
For Fringe Benefits Tax Advice speak with our Newcastle Accountants. Our FBT tax questionnaire can help to understand your FBT requirements better.
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