Subject to the limitations below, a number of employee benefits are exempt from fringe benefits tax (FBT), including the following work-related items:
- portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, portable printers and GPS navigation receivers
- computer software
- protective clothing
- briefcases
- tools of trade.
The FBT exemption is limited to:
- items primarily for use in the employee’s employment
- one item per FBT year for items that have a substantially identical function, unless the item is a replacement item.
From 1 April 2016, the exemption extends to small businesses that provide employees with more than one work-related portable electronic device in an FBT year – even if the devices have substantially identical functions.
You must be a small business for at least one income year that starts or ends in the relevant FBT year.
Courtesy: ATO website
