This week we discuss how business owners can use company money to give festive perks without creating tax problems. They cover the key allowances, pitfalls and practical examples to help you plan Christmas parties, staff gifts and client entertaining.

Key rules explained: annual company parties are tax-free up to £150 per attendee (including VAT and related costs), but if you exceed that limit the whole amount becomes taxable for employees. You can split the allowance across multiple events, and travel or hotels can be excluded if the trip is legitimately a business meeting with a documented agenda.

Staff gifts fall under the trivial benefits rules: individual gifts up to £50 (including VAT and delivery) are tax-free provided they are not cash, cash-equivalent or a reward for performance. Directors follow the same £50-per-gift rule but face a £300 total annual limit.

Customer and supplier entertaining is allowable as a business expense but is not eligible for VAT recovery or corporation tax relief; branded promotional items may be a narrow exception. Practical tips include buying VATable gifts so the business can reclaim VAT, documenting business events carefully, and consulting your accountant for grey-area cases.

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ABOUT THE HOST:

Claire Hancott through Profit Cash Growth helps 6 & 7 figure business owners to increase their profit, improve their cashflow and grow their business using their numbers.

As a finance director & chartered management accountant, Claire has nearly 20 years’ experience in finance and running businesses of her own. This gives her a unique insight into the information and support business owners need to grow a financially successful business.

Claire passionately believes that every business should be run by the numbers because the numbers in your business are telling you a story about what is and isn’t working and where your opportunities lie. Claire’s mission is to provide insightful management accounts, reports and advice to business owners and support them to make smarter decisions. 

*The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.