However, important issues for our clients to consider are the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing 'entertainment' (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients.
FBT and Entertainment
Under the FBT Act, employers must choose how they calculate their FBT entertainment liability and most use either the 'actual method' or the '50/50 method'.Under the actual method, entertainment costs are normally split up between employees (and their family) and non-employees (e.g., clients and suppliers). Expenditure on employees is deductible and liable to FBT. Expenditure on non-employees is not liable to FBT, and not tax deductible.
Using the 50/50 method instead?
Rather than apportion entertainment expenditure on the basis of actual attendance by staff, etc., many employers choose to use the more simple 50/50 method.
Under this method (irrespective of where the party is held or who attends) – 50% of the total expenditure is subject to FBT and 50% is tax deductible.
However, the following traps must be considered:
even if the function is held on the employer's premises – food and drink provided to employees is not exempt from FBT;
the minor benefit exemption* cannot apply
the general taxi travel exemption (for travel to or from the employer's premises) cannot apply.
(*) Minor benefit exemption
The minor benefit exemption provides an exemption from FBT for most benefits of 'less than $300' which are provided to employees (and their family/associates) and which are infrequent and irregular.
The ATO accepts that different benefits provided at, or about, the same time (such as a Christmas party and gift) are not added together when applying this threshold.
However, entertainment expenditure that is FBT exempt is also not deductible.
And that's 'less than' $300, i.e., no more than $299.99. A $300 gift to an employee will be caught for FBT, whereas a $299 gift can be exempt.
Example: Christmas party
An employer holds a Christmas party for its employees and their spouses – 40 attendees in all.
The cost of food and drink per person is $250, and no other benefits are provided.
If the actual method is used:
For all 40 employees and their spouses – no FBT is payable (i.e., applying the minor benefit exemption), however, the expenditure is not tax deductible.
If the 50/50 method is used:
Expenditure is $10,000 and 50% (i.e., $5,000) is liable to FBT and tax deductible
We understand that this can all be somewhat bewildering, so if you would like a little help, just contact our office.
