Business Tax
Employee benchmark subsistence rates
On 6 April 2009 HMRC introduced a scheme that allowed payment of tax-free subsistence to employees travelling on business. To use the scheme you had to notify HMRC first, but since 6 April 2016 that is not necessary. From this date a system of benchmark rates came in force which are set out in regulations. The rates are set as follows:
Minimum journey time |
Maximum amount of meal allowance |
5 hours |
£5.00 |
10 hours |
£10.00 |
15 hours |
£25.00 |
Where an allowance of £5 or £10 is paid and the qualifying journey lasts beyond 8.00pm a supplementary rate of £10 can be paid. A maximum of two allowances can be paid for each day.
HMRC can agree higher flat-rate subsistence payments with employers on request and evidence that they are reasonable and required taking account of the employees’ duties.
Incidental overnight expenses
Employers can pay employees a tax and NI-free amount to cover personal costs they incur when staying overnight on a business trip, e.g. hotel charges for newspapers or laundry. The maximum payments are:
- £5 per night for travel within the UK
- £10 per night for travel outside of the UK.