New FBT rates for the 2018/19 FBT year
ATO has released Taxation Determinations setting out rates for the FBT year commencing 1 April 2018.
FBT: Benchmark interest rate
The benchmark interest rate for the 2018/19 FBT year is 5.20% p.a., which is used to calculate the taxable value of:
- a loan fringe benefit; and
- a car fringe benefit where an employer chooses to value the benefit using the operating cost method.
Example
On 1 April 2018, an employer lends an employee $50,000 for five years at an interest rate of 5% p.a., with interest being charged and paid 6 monthly, and no principal repaid until the end of the loan.
The actual interest payable by the employee for the current year is $2,500 ($50,000 × 5%). The notional interest, with a 5.20% benchmark rate, is $2,600.
Therefore, the taxable value of the loan fringe benefit is $100 (i.e., $2,600 – $2,500).
FBT: Cents per kilometre basis
The rates to be applied where the cents per kilometre basis is used for the 2018/19 FBT year in respect of the private use of a vehicle (other than a car) are:
| Engine capacity | Rate per km |
| 0 – 2,500cc |
54 cents |
| Over 2,500cc |
65 cents |
| Motorcycles |
16 cents |
FBT: Recordkeeping exemption threshold
The small business record keeping exemption threshold for the 2018/19 FBT year is $8,552.
The ATO has also released Taxation Determinations setting out the indexation factors to value non-remote housing, and the amounts the ATO considers reasonable for food and drink expenses incurred by employees receiving a living-away-from-home allowance (LAFHA) fringe benefit, for the FBT year commencing on 1 April 2018.