Company cars

Company cars

The company car continues to be an important part of the remuneration package for many employees despite the increases in the taxable benefit rates over the last few years.

Employees and directors pay tax on the provision of the car and on the provision of fuel by employers for private mileage. Employers also pay Class 1A NICs at 12.8% on the same amount. This NIC charge is payable by the 19 July following the end of the tax year.

The amount on which tax and Class 1A NICs is paid in respect of a company car depends on a number of factors. Essentially, the amount charged is calculated by multiplying the list price of the car, including most accessories, by a percentage. The percentage is set by reference to the rate at which the car emits carbon dioxide, according to officially determined rates.