The Australian Tax Office allows Australians who work at or from their home to claim a deduction for the additional expenses they incur from running their business.
Generally speaking, the deductible expenses that can be claimed are divided into two categories; occupancy expenses and running expenses.
Occupancy expenses: relate to ‘the place of business’, i.e. where part of an individual’s home is used solely for income producing activities. Examples of occupancy expenses include:
mortgage interest
rental costs
insurance
security
To be eligible to claim a deduction for an occupancy expense, the area of the home used for business activities must have the ‘character of a place of business’. The ATO has stated that the following shows an area of a home is ‘a place of business’ where:
the area is clearly identifiable as a place of business
the area is not suitable for private or domestic use
the area is used exclusively for carrying on a business
the area is used regularly for visiting customers
Running expenses: are costs that relate to the use of facilities in the home to run the business, such as:
the cost of electricity and gas to heat, cool or light up a room
business phone costs
the decline in value of plant and equipment, such as chairs, bookcases and computers
the decline in value of furniture and furnishings, such as curtains and carpets
the cost of repairs to furniture and furnishings
cleaning costs
Individuals can only claim a tax deduction for the amount of running expenses’ usage from the business, not general household expenses.
For businesses in Australia, providing fringe benefits to employees can be a valuable way to attract and retain talent, as well as incentivise performance.
However, employers need to understand their obligations regarding Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers FBT, a tax on certain non-cash benefits provided to employees in connection with their employment.
Let’s explore the types of fringe benefits subject to FBT to help businesses navigate this complex area of taxation.
Car Fringe Benefits
One common type of fringe benefit is the provision of a car for the private use of employees. This includes company cars, cars leased by the employer, or even reimbursing employees for the costs of using their own cars for work-related travel.
Housing Fringe Benefits
Employers may provide housing or accommodation to employees as part of their employment package. This can include providing rent-free or discounted accommodation, paying for utilities or maintenance, or providing housing allowances.
Expense Payment Fringe Benefits
Expense payment fringe benefits arise when an employer reimburses or pays for expenses incurred by an employee, such as entertainment expenses, travel expenses, or professional association fees.
Loan Fringe Benefits
If an employer provides loans to employees at low or no interest rates, the difference between the interest rate charged and the official rate set by the ATO may be considered a fringe benefit and subject to FBT.
Property Fringe Benefits
Providing employees with property, such as goods or assets, can also result in fringe benefits. This can include items such as computers, phones, or other equipment provided for personal use.
Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA)
When employers provide allowances to employees who need to live away from their usual residence for work purposes, such as for temporary work assignments or relocations, these allowances may be subject to FBT.
Entertainment Fringe Benefits
Entertainment fringe benefits arise when employers provide entertainment or recreation to employees or their associates. This can include meals, tickets to events, holidays, or other leisure activities.
Residual Fringe Benefits
Residual fringe benefits encompass any employee benefits that do not fall into one of the categories outlined above. This can include many miscellaneous benefits, such as gym memberships, childcare assistance, or gift vouchers.
Compliance With FBT Obligations
Employers must understand their FBT obligations and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. This includes accurately identifying and valuing fringe benefits, keeping detailed records, lodging FBT returns on time, and paying any FBT liability by the due date.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is an essential consideration for businesses that provide non-cash benefits to employees.
By understanding the types of fringe benefits subject to FBT, employers can ensure compliance with tax obligations and avoid potential penalties or liabilities.
Seeking professional advice from tax experts or consultants can also help businesses navigate the complexities of FBT and develop strategies to minimise tax exposure while maximising the value of employee benefits. Why not start a conversation with one of our trusted tax advisers today?