When employers provide mobile phones to employees, it is important to understand the tax treatment that applies to both the device and any related costs. The rules also differ where employers reimburse employees for their personal mobile phone expenses.
HMRC provides a specific exemption where an employer supplies one mobile phone (or SIM card) per employee and the contract is between the employer and the mobile phone provider. In these cases, the provision of the phone is generally exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance, even if the phone is used for personal purposes. The exemption covers the handset, line rental, and the cost of calls, texts and data paid for by the employer.
If the telephone expenses are not exempt, then they must be reported to HMRC, and employers may have to deduct and pay tax and National Insurance on them. Employee’s mobile phone expenses do not have to be reported if they are part of a salary sacrifice arrangement.
For example, if an employee arranges the phone but you pay the supplier then you must:
- report the cost on form P11D
- pay Class 1 National Insurance through payroll.
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