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If you are an employer, don’t forget you can treat your staff to a tax-free Christmas party up to the value of £150 per employee. Each year HMRC’s seasonal gift allows businesses an annual tax-free allowance that can be used for food, drink and even accommodation and travel.
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"However, if the £150 limit is exceeded, businesses will no longer be entitled to the tax free status and will be liable for income tax and national insurance. The party invites can be extended to partners as well, providing that the cost per head is kept under the limit.
“The Christmas tax exemption can be enjoyed by businesses of any size, so long as within the £150 budget.
“As of last year, employers can add to their generosity with the trivial benefits exemption. If a gift costs less than £50, it can be considered trivial and therefore may be entitled to tax free status. So, bosses can now not only treat their employees to a Christmas party, but add a little gift to that as well. It is important to remember however, cash gifts, such as a Christmas bonus or vouchers redeemable for cash, have to have tax and national insurance contributions paid.”
Gifts won’t be entitled to the tax exemption if:
- The cost of providing the benefit exceeds £50
- The benefit is cash or a cash voucher
- The employee is entitled to the benefit as part of a contractual obligation (including under salary sacrifice arrangements)
- The benefit is provided in recognition of particular services performed by the employee as part of their employment duties.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2017
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