Trivial benefits provided by an employer

I am sure you are aware of the strict rules regarding benefits in kind, benefits paid to employees by their employer which become taxable.

There is a new notable exception from April 2016 called Trivial Benefits.

It is now possible for the employer to give a benefit (not cash) of say a retail voucher (M & S Christmas voucher) to each employee of £50 without there being any tax due on the gift.

This also applies to close Company Directors, £50 a time to a maximum of £300 payable on significant events during the year, birthday, anniversary, Christmas etc.

John Caladine