Vans - tax smoke screen!
July 2007
Most users of commercial vehicles will now be aware that private use of a van will trigger a benefit in kind charge of £3,000 per annum - this applies from 6 April 2007. Plus an additional £500 if the van owner provides an employee with fuel for private use.
The Revenue do allow certain incidental non-business use without incurring a benefit charge including home to work mileage.
It is worth reviewing contracts of employment and other procedures to keep employees the right side of the benefit legislation. Of course they will then need to comply with the ban!
If commercial vehicle users would like more information on the Revenue's definition of "incidental private use" please give us a call.
What employers may not realise are the fines that may be levied on themselves and/or their employees if they fail to observe the new "Anti-Smoking" legislation that applies in England from 1 July 2007. (In Wales these regulations came into force on 2 April 2007, Northern Ireland 30 April 2007. Scotland introduced the legislation on 26 March 2006).
Believe it or not a vehicle used solely for business purposes is likely to be considered "business premises" for the purposes of the Anti Smoking legislation. You are obliged to display No Smoking signs in such vehicles.
- Smoking in a smoke free vehicle carries a potential fine of £200.
- Failing to display a No Smoking sign carries a potential fine of up to £1,000 per offence.
- Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke free vehicle carries a potential fine of up to £2,500 per offence.
Again the requirements of this legislation should be included in your contracts of employment.
