As an employee, you pay tax on certain company benefits, such as cars, accommodation, and loans. Your employer calculates the tax you owe and deducts it through Pay As You Earn (PAYE). The amount of tax depends on the type and value of the benefit.
Some company benefits are tax-free, including childcare support and meals provided in canteens. Cash payments, however, are treated as earnings and are always subject to tax and National Insurance contributions.
Other taxable benefits you will pay tax on include the following:
Medical Insurance
You usually pay tax on the cost of the insurance premiums if your employer pays for your medical insurance. However, some health benefits are tax-free, including medical insurance while you are working abroad and annual check-ups.
Loans
You may have to pay tax on low-interest or interest-free loans from your employer if the loan is more than £10,000. The tax is calculated on the difference between the interest rate you pay and the official rate of interest set by the Bank of England. You could also be liable for tax if your employer lends money to one of your relatives.
Living Accommodation
If you (or one of your relatives) lives in accommodation provided by your employer, you may need to pay tax. The calculation depends on whether the accommodation costs are more than £75,000. You might not have to pay tax if the accommodation is provided so you can perform your job or do it more effectively, for example, agricultural workers living on farms.
