Taxation logo taxation mission text

Since 1927 the leading authority on tax law, practice and administration

Tax implications of Christmas parties and gifts

11 December 2018
Issue: 4676 / Categories: News

Claim tax relief for your job expenses.

With many companies holding office Christmas parties – and with their staff gifting items or cash to friends and family – there have been ‘far more cases where the costs may [be] more’ than the tax-free limit UHY Hacker Young has advised.

Ian Dickinson tax director at UHY Hacker Young said: ‘We are seeing far more cases where the costs may work out at marginally more than £150 a person. This is an easy target for HMRC as it receives more tax while not having to pursue many employees for relatively small amounts.

‘HMRC’s guidance stresses that VAT-inclusive costs even if the employer can reclaim the VAT and incidental costs – such as travel and accommodation – are included. HMRC says employers should simply work out the total cost and divide it by the number of people attending not the company’s total number of...

Only subscribers may read the full article

Alternatively, you can register free of charge to read a limited amount of subscriber content per month.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email directing you back to read this item in full.
back to top icon