Car leasing customers and business owners have called for more notice on policy changes that could play a part in their future agreements and finances.
The changes to Benefit In Kind (BIK) Tax has found criticism from both industry watchdogs and firms who use vehicle leasing to help benefit their business.
Previously any changes to taxation would first serve a three year notice period before coming into force but this change was already in force by April (2011).
The new policy will have massive implications on the decisions that firms make regarding their individual vehicle or fleet lease an industry insider said: “ An example would be an employee choosing their company car today and not actually knowing what contribution they will be making, there’s no clarity at all to what future tax bills could be.”
Benefit In Kind tax is a PAYE contribution that is taken for an employees use of a company car outside of the working requirements.
The amendments that came into force in April included the abolition of reductions for alternative fuel and a restructuring of the emissions allowances.
Analysts believe that this could then result in many firms who use vehicle leasing and contract hire withholding company vehicle renewals or shortening their leasing agreements/contracts which will cost firms more money but could offer assurance in the long run.
Hopefully this shouldn’t have too much of an impact on the sector as company leasing has become more and more popular in recent years, from vans to executive saloons there has been a realisation that that you can make a good impression to a client, save money on tax and VAT without having to pay out the high forecourt prices.