Tax Implications of Company Cars in South Africa

As an employer, offering a company car as a benefit to employees is an attractive incentive. However, it is crucial to consider the tax implications that come with providing company cars.

A company car is a vehicle that is owned or leased by an employer and is available for the use of an employee for business and personal purposes.

The provision of a company car is subject to various tax implications for both the employer and employee.

In this article, we will discuss the tax implications of company cars in South Africa.

Company Car Allowance

In South Africa, a company car allowance is the amount paid by an employer to an employee to purchase or maintain a company car.

The allowance is usually paid in addition to the employee’s salary and is subject to income tax.

The amount of tax payable by the employee is calculated based on the employee’s marginal tax rate.

Fringe Benefits Tax

A fringe benefit is any non-cash benefit provided by an employer to an employee in addition to the employee’s salary.

The provision of a company car is considered a fringe benefit and is subject to fringe benefits tax (FBT) in South Africa.

FBT is calculated based on the cost of the vehicle, including the purchase price, maintenance costs, and fuel costs.

Value-added Tax (VAT)

In South Africa, VAT is charged on the purchase of a company car. The VAT paid on the purchase of the car is claimable as input tax by the employer.

However, the employer must keep accurate records of the business use of the vehicle to support the input tax claim.

Claiming Input Tax

An employer can claim input tax on the purchase of a company car if the car is used for business purposes.

If the car is used for both business and personal purposes, the employer must keep accurate records of the business use of the vehicle to support the input tax claim.

Tax Implications for Employees

If an employee uses a company car for both business and personal purposes, the employee is subject to a fringe benefit tax. The employee’s taxable fringe benefit is calculated based on the cost of the vehicle, including maintenance costs and fuel costs, and the distance traveled for personal use.

Record-keeping Requirements

Employers must keep accurate records of the business and personal use of the company car to support input tax claims and to calculate fringe benefits tax for employees.

Accurate records must be kept of the distance traveled for business and personal use, as well as the maintenance and fuel costs of the vehicle.

Consequences of Non-compliance

Failure to comply with the tax implications of company cars in South Africa can result in severe consequences for employers.

Employers may face penalties, interest, and legal action for non-compliance with tax laws.

Tax Planning Considerations

Employers can implement tax planning strategies to minimize the tax implications of company cars.

These strategies include choosing a fuel-efficient car, limiting personal use of the vehicle, and implementing a policy that requires employees to pay a portion of the fringe benefit tax.