The four consultations will look at:
1. Abolition of the £8,500 threshold for benefits-in-kind
As per current rule, an employer must report taxable benefits on Form P11d for all employees and company directors that earn £8,500 or more per annum. The OTS has recommend to abolish the £8,500 threshold which will make all employees liable to tax on benefits received and employers having to pay additional Class 1A NIC. Another objective of this consultation would be to introduce steps to mitigate the impact on vulnerable groups that will be affected by the change.
2. Introduction of a statutory definition of a trivial benefit in kind
Suggested by the OTS, the objective of this consultation is to introduce a statutory exemption for benefits-in-kind that are trivial in nature, for instance, gifts like a box of chocolates given at Christmas or a bouquet of flowers presented for a personal achievement. If all goes as per OTS’ suggestion, employers will neither have to report such benefits nor pay Class 1A NIC on such trivial gifts.
The government will however need to define ‘trivial’ in the legislation so that a new statutory exemption can be introduced.
3. Voluntary payrolling of benefits
The objective of this consultation is to enable employers to choose whether they want to report tax on benefits through the payroll or through form P11D. This according to the government will offer considerable administrative savings for some employers.
4. Replacing the current system of dispensations
Coming from another OTS proposal, the objective of this consultation is to remove the need to apply for dispensations and replace it with a system through which employers can decide if the expenses they pay are subject to tax relief or not. The government feels that an exemption would be simpler and easier for employers to use than the current system.
Speaking about the consultations, Exchequer secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke said, ‘The consultations will deliver real improvements for businesses and individuals and their experience of the tax system. We want to make sure we get the structure and detail absolutely right and each consultation will allow us to engage with and learn from those who will be directly affected,’
The government is seeking opinion from anyone with an interest in simplifying the tax treatment of employee benefits and expenses and the consultations are open till 9th September.
