Reducing the reporting of expenses and benefits

You could apply for a dispensation (or form P11DX) from HMRC. If you are successful, this form completely removed the requirement to report anything on form P9D or P11D. Therefore, there is also no need to pay any tax or national insurance on items covered by a dispensation.

There is a list of expenses that can be covered by dispensations, but examples of expenses typically covered are:

• Travel, including subsistence costs associated with business travel
• Fuel for company cars
• Hire car costs
• Telephones
• Business entertainment expenses
• Credit cards used for business
• Fees and subscription

Put simply, to stand a chance at obtaining a dispensation, you must have an independent system in place for checking and authorising expense claims so as a minimum, someone other than the employee must check their claim. If you are a sole director, you may still be successful, provided that you obtain receipts for all expenditure and the expenses are within the list referred to above.

A dispensation covers the items indefinitely, however, HMRC reviews them regularly (usually at intervals of five years or less) to make sure the conditions under which it was granted still apply.

If you would like assistance in applying for a dispensation or would like to discuss another tax or accountancy related matter, please do not hesitate to contact your local TaxAssist Accountant.

Date published 5 Dec 2012

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.