The Small Benefits Exemption Scheme allows an employer to provide an employee with a small benefit tax free each year. It is frequently paid at Christmas so is sometimes known as the Christmas bonus scheme.
Terms and conditions
- The benefit must not exceed €500.
- The benefit must not be in the form of cash. For this reason vouchers are traditionally given.
- Only the first benefit each year will qualify for the exemption.
If a benefit exceeds €500, the full value of the benefit is subject to tax, USC and PRSI. For example if a €600 voucher is given, the full €600 should be included as a benefit in kind on payroll and the relevant tax, USC and PRSI calculated.
If two benefits are received during the year, only the first one will qualify for the exemption. As an example, if an employee receives a €100 voucher in May, and a €400 voucher in December, only the €100 will qualify for the exemption and €400 should be subject to tax, USC and PRSI.
For more tax saving ideas, see our Tax Saving Ideas page.
Updated 26/03/19
Presumably if 2 sets of vouchers are bought during the year, each for a different director/employee of the company, the BIK exemption is applicable
Hi Mark,
As long as it is one voucher per person per year and the voucher is for €250 or less, then the exemption is applicable.
Best regards,
Orla
Hi Orla,
Does the employer have to be a limited company or can a sole trader or partnership avail of this Small Benefits Exemption Scheme also. Obviously sole trader/partnership would need to be registered as an employer.
Regards,
David
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment. The employer can be a sole trader or partnership. Note that the benefit must be provided to an employee (and not the sole trader him/herself or one of the partners in a partnership).
Best regards,
Orla