FBT record keeping and plug-in hybrid exemption changes
With the 2025 fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’) year having just ended (on 31 March), the ATO is reminding employers of some changes that might impact their FBT obligations.
How to master your employer obligations in 2025
Taxpayers who employ staff should remember these important dates and obligations in 2025.
Christmas Parties and Gifts December 2024
Year-end (and other) staff parties With the well-earned December/January holiday season on the way, many employers will be planning to reward staff with a celebratory party or event. However, there are important issues to consider, including the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing ‘entertainment’ (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients. FBT and […]
FBT on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Changes to FBT Exemptions for Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Starting April 2025 Employers must have binding agreements in place to retain FBT exemptions for PHEVs, with new restrictions on eligibility for electric car exemptions. From 1 April 2025, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (‘PHEV’) will not be considered a zero or low emissions vehicle under fringe […]
Could your staff celebration attract FBT?
Consider if fringe benefits tax (FBT) may apply or you could end up with an unexpected FBT liability. With the holiday season kicking off, you may be planning a celebration with your staff. Before you hire a restaurant or book an event, make sure you work out if the benefits you provide your employees are […]
FBT time is fast approaching!
Navigating FBT Obligations: A Reminder from the ATO Stay Ahead of the Curve with Key Tasks and New Guidelines for Fringe Benefits Tax Time The ATO has advised employers that ‘FBT time’ is just around the corner, and they need to stay on top of their fringe benefits tax (FBT) obligations. Employers need to ensure […]
ATO lodgement penalty amnesty about to end
The ATO is remitting failure to lodge penalties for eligible small businesses Businesses which have not yet taken advantage of the ATO’s lodgment penalty amnesty only have until 31 December 2023 to do so Businesses must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the amnesty: had an annual turnover under $10 million […]
Christmas parties and gifts
Common entertainment scenarios for business How FBT applies to businesses for Christmas parties If your business holds a Christmas party: on a working day, on your business premises, and only for your current employees, you don’t pay fringe benefits tax (FBT) for the food and drink off your business premises, or the party includes associates […]
2023-24 Federal Budget Summary
Modest but meaningful A range of measures provide cost-of-living relief to individuals such as increased and expanded JobSeeker payments and better access to affordable housing. As part of the measures introduced for small business, a temporary $20,000 threshold for the small business instant asset write-off will apply for one year, following the end of the […]
Electric vehicle home charging rates: cents per km
Draft Guidelines on Calculating Electric Vehicle Charging Costs Released by ATO Recordkeeping Requirements and Application of the EV Home Charging Rate for FBT and Income Tax Purposes The ATO recently released draft guidelines setting out a methodology for calculating the cost of electricity when an electric vehicle (‘EV’) is charged at an employee’s or individual’s […]
