Sunshine Coast and Brisbane Accountants - Clarke McEwan Accountants and Business Advisorrs
Sunshine Coast and Brisbane Accountants - Clarke McEwan Accountants and Business Advisorrs

Christmas Parties and Presents - and Tax!

Clarke McEwan Accountants

bee-common-widget-bar.row-alt
Christmas Parties and Presents - and Tax!

Christmas is a great time to acknowledge and reward your employees and other associates by celebrating and giving gifts. But don't get caught out by entertainment rules! Claiming entertainment and gifts as business expenses is not always straight-forward, as there are implications for GST, income tax and fringe benefits tax (FBT).

Is it Entertainment?

Entertainment is generally not a deductible business expense. Entertainment rules can be tricky, but in general, the more lavish the meal or event, the more costly, the later in the day and if alcohol is involved then it will generally be called entertainment.

Fringe benefits tax may apply to entertainment benefits provided to employees, and if an event or gift is considered to be entertainment then you cannot claim a business deduction or GST.

A Christmas party for employees, spouses, suppliers and customers may or may not be classed as entertainment. Check with us to see if any of the party costs can be claimed.

Keep it Free From FBT

  • If you give gifts to your employees keep them under $300 each. Benefits provided which have a value of less than $300 are exempt from FBT.
  • Give gifts to employees that they otherwise would have claimed as a tax deduction. For example, you could pay for a professional development course or give new tools.
  • Give gift cards or vouchers up to the value of $300. (Vouchers are not considered to be entertainment).
  • Avoid giving 'entertainment' gifts over $300, such as membership to clubs, tickets to events or travel.
  • Pay a Christmas bonus. Process through payroll like any other wage payment and withhold tax. Remember that superannuation applies to bonus wages.

Enjoy the Party

Talk to us when planning your Christmas gifts and events to check how much may be claimed as business expenses. Once you know the costs of throwing a party and giving gifts and bonuses, you can put your feet up and enjoy your own party!

Why having a good bookkeeper is so very important
By Clarke McEwan 27 Mar, 2024
Why is good bookkeeping so vital for your financial management? We’ve got some top hacks for maximising your bookkeeping, and the options for outsourcing this job to the professionals. #SmallBiz #SMB #accounting #bookkeeping
Are you considering an SMSF? Here’s what you need to know.
By Clarke McEwan 25 Mar, 2024
Is a self-managed super fund something you’re thinking about? Learn about the responsibilities that come with being a trustee. #SMSF #RetirementPlanning
The Fringe Benefit Tax traps
By Clarke McEwan 10 Mar, 2024
The Fringe Benefits Tax year (FBT) ends on 31 March. We explore the problem areas likely to attract the ATO’s attention.
The ATO Debt Dilemma
By Clarke McEwan 10 Mar, 2024
Late last year, thousands of taxpayers and their agents were advised by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that they had an outstanding historical tax debt. The only problem was, many had no idea that the tax debt existed.
From 1 July 2024, the amount you can contribute to super will increase. We show you how to take adva
By Clarke McEwan 10 Mar, 2024
From 1 July 2024, the amount you can contribute to super will increase. We show you how to take advantage of the change.
By Clarke McEwan 10 Mar, 2024
Revised stage 3 tax cuts confirmed for 1 July The revised stage 3 tax cuts have passed Parliament and will come into effect on 1 July 2024. Before the new tax rates come into effect, check any salary sacrifice agreements to ensure that they will continue to produce the result you are after. Resident individuals Tax rate 2023-24 2024-25 0% $0 – $18,200 $0 – $18,200 16% $18,201–$45,000 19% $18,201–$45,000 30% $45,001–$135,000 32.5% $45,001–$120,000 37% $120,001–$180,000 $135,001–$190,000 45% >$180,000 >$190,000 Non-resident individuals Tax rate 2023-24 2024-25 30% $0 – $135,000 32.5% $0–$120,000 37% $120,001–$180,000 $135,001–$190,000 45% >$180,000 >$190,000 Working holiday markers Tax rate 2023-24 2024-25 15% $0 – $45,000 $0 – $45,000 30% $45,001- $135,000 32.5% $45,001– $120,000 37% $120,001–$180,000 $135,001-$190,000 45% >$180,000 >$190,000
More Posts
Share by: