Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT): A Brief Overview

Do you offer fringe benefits to your employees?
While we understand that Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) can, at times, be overwhelming, it's essential to get it right, which is why we've put together a brief overview below to ensure that employers meet their FBT requirements in order to avoid late payment penalties and interest. 31 May 2023 is the due date for the next quarterly FBT return and also for those that file FBT returns.
What is fringe benefits tax?
Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT), is a taxable non-cash benefit provided and enjoyed by an employee as a result of their employment relationship that is in addition to wages or salary. As an employer you may be liable for tax (FBT) on certain benefits provided to employees. The most common are:
- Motor vehicles provided by the business for the employee's private use
- Free, subsidized or discounted goods and services
- Low-interest loans
- Employer contributions to sickness, accident or death benefit funds, superannuation schemes
When to file your FBT return:
As an employer you are required to file your FBT return either quarterly, annually or by income year. Your choice will depend on the type of company you manage, whether you were an employer in the previous year, the benefits you provide and how much tax you pay.
FBT Calculation Methods:
There are three different types of FBT rates; singe rate, short-form alternate rate, and full alternate rate.
If you file an annual return, you can choose any of the three FBT rates and change rates from year-to-year. If you file quarterly, you can swap between FBT rates during the year. However, if you elect and pay FBT using the alternate rate in any of the first three quarters, you must complete the alternate rate calculation process in the fourth and final quarter.
For more in-depth information on how to calculate your fringe tax liability, please refer to the formulas provided by IRD in their FBT guide which can be found by visiting this link: https://www.ird.govt.nz/employing-staff/paying-staff/fringe-benefit-tax








