Virtual Christmas parties will qualify for tax exemption

HMRC has confirmed that they will accept a virtual Christmas party as an event which is capable of falling within the tax exemption rules for annual functions.

The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) has received the following statement from HMRC:

'Having considered the scope of section 264 ITEPA03 (annual parties exemption), we are pleased to confirm that the exemption will apply to the costs associated with virtual parties in the same way that it would for traditionally held parties.

'Therefore, the cost of providing food, entertainment, equipment and other expenses which may be incurred in hosting a virtual event, will be exempt, subject to the normal conditions of the exemption being met.

'It is important to note that the intention of the exemption is to allow for costs of provision which are generally incurred for the purposes of the event itself, and that the event, along with any associated provision, is available to employees generally. We will be updating our GOV.UK guidance shortly.'

The rules allow employers to spend up to £150 per head (including VAT) towards the costs of an annual function such as a seasonal party, without creating a tax liability.

To qualify the party must be an annual event which is open to all staff generally, or all staff at a specific location, if the employer has more than one location. If the employer has more than one annual event in a tax year, for all the events to be tax-free the combined cost per head must be no more than £150.

Internet link: ATT news

Home | Newsletters | May 2023Contact us | Site map | Accessibility | Help | Privacy |

© 2024 Wilson Sandford. All rights reserved.
Wilson Sandford Limited is registered in England & Wales.


Registered Office: Wilson Sandford, 85 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2BB

In accordance with the disclosure requirements of the Provision of Services Regulations 2009, our professional indemnity insurers are Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s & Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE of 30 Fenchurch Avenue, London, England, EC3M 5AD. The territorial coverage is worldwide excluding professional business carried out from an office in the United States of America or Canada and excludes any action for a claim brought in any court in the United States of America or Canada.