Usually, HMRC (under Section 264 of ITEPA 2003) allows an exemption where an employer hosts an annual event. This doesn’t have to be at Christmas, it could be held at any time of the year, the key here is that it is an annual event and is made available to all employees, or all in a particular location where an employer has more than one location, at a cost of less than £150 per head.
All costs of providing the event must be counted when calculating the ‘per head’ cost. This could include:
This list isn’t exclusive, and in arriving at the ‘cost per head’ the total expenses should be divided by the number attending, which may also include non-employees
The £150 is not an annual allowance, if the cost is exceeded then the whole amount will become taxable.
This year, all face to face meetings and events have been replaced by virtual meetings and events, and we have seen huge levels of creativity to achieve successful delivery. HMRC has now confirmed, in response to stakeholder lobbying, that where all normal conditions are met, virtual events can be included when considering the £150 exemption.
Here's an example of how it could work...
A company holds one annual function in a tax year and does so virtually using IT. All employees are invited and each is provided with a hamper consisting of some food and drink to be enjoyed by the attendees during the party. The total cost per head is £100 which is within the £150 exemption and so the exemption applies.
You can also enjoy the benefit of Tax Free Christmas Gifts for employees.. read more here.
Head to our other blogs to find out more about Tax Free Christmas Gifts and Claiming Christmas Party Expenses.
Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions about the exceptions discussed or any other questions for the team, please get in touch 01858 289 189 or email hello@thebusinesshut.co.uk
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from The Business Hut Team! x
