Reminder of not-so-trivial tax-free benefits

Reminder of not-so-trivial tax-free benefits

A benefit-in-kind (BiK) trivial exemption applies to small non-cash benefits like a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers given occasionally to employees or any other BiK classed as ‘trivial’ that falls within the exemption. By taking advantage of the exemption, employers can simplify the treatment of BiKs while offering a tax-efficient way to give small gifts to employees.

The trivial benefit rules provide a great opportunity to give small rewards and incentives to employees as long as the gifts are not provided as a reward for services performed or as part of the employee’s duties. However, gifts to employees on milestone events such as the birth of a child, marriage, or other gestures of goodwill would usually qualify.

The employer also benefits as the trivial benefits do not have to be included on PAYE settlement agreements or disclosed on P11D forms. There is also a matching exemption from Class 1A National Insurance contributions.

The tax exemption applies to trivial BiKs where the BiK:

• is not cash or a cash voucher; and
• costs £50 or less; and
• is not provided as part of a salary sacrifice or other contractual arrangement, and
• Is not provided in recognition of services performed by the employee as part of their employment or in anticipation of such services.

The rules also allow directors or other office-holders of close companies and their families to benefit from these gifts but with an annual cap of £300. The £50 limit remains for each gift subject to the £300 of non-cash benefits to be withdrawn per person per year. The £300 cap does not apply to employees. If the £50 limit is exceeded for any gift, the value of the benefit will be taxable.