ATO issues FBT reminder as March deadline looms
The Tax Office has issued a reminder to employers about some changes that may affect their fringe benefits tax obligations this year.
With the 2025 fringe benefits year wrapping up on 31 March, the ATO is reminding employers of some changes that may impact their FBT obligations.
This FBT year, employers can use existing records instead of travel diaries and declarations for some fringe benefits.
The ATO noted that clients may prefer to continue using the current approved forms or choose to use a combination of both methods for each employee and each benefit.
In addition, employers will also need to meet the minimum required information at the time of lodging the FBT return if using existing corporate records.
“Keeping the right records ensures employers can correctly calculate the taxable value of the benefit and support their FBT position,” the Tax Office said.
On 31 March, the FBT exemption for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will also end, meaning this might be the last year that employers could claim the exemption.
However, an employer can continue to apply the exemption if the PHEV was used or available for use before 1 April 2025 and they had a financially binding commitment to continue providing private use of the vehicle on and after 1 April 2025.
“If you have employer clients that provided fringe benefits to their staff between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, make sure they’re prepared and are keeping the appropriate records to support their FBT position,” the ATO said.
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