Fringe benefit tax (FBT): Returning fringe benefit tax
Types of returns
The types of fringe benefit tax return forms are:
- Fringe benefit tax quarterly return (IR420) - for employers who must file every quarter, and those who choose to do so.
- Fringe benefit shareholder/employee tax income year tax return (IR421) - for companies with shareholder-employees.
- Fringe benefit ordinary employee annual tax return (IR422) - for employers who elect to file returns for the year ended 31 March.
We will send you a return before the due date for filing.
Filing the quarterly FBT return (IR420)
As an employer you:
- must file returns each quarter where your annual gross tax and employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) for the previous year are over $500,000
- may choose to file quarterly if these are under $500,000.
Use the Fringe benefit tax quarterly return (IR420) to file a quarterly return.
The filing due dates for each quarter
| Quarter | Period covered | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 April to 30 June | 20 July |
| 2 | 1 July to 30 September | 20 October |
| 3 | 1 October to 31 December | 20 January |
| Final quarter | 1 January to 31 March | 31 May |
You can generate a list of all the due dates that apply to you with our Tax due date calculator.
Filing the income year FBT return (IR421)
You can elect to use the Fringe benefit shareholder/employee tax income year tax return (IR421) if:
- your company has shareholder-employees only, and
- your annual gross tax and ESCT are less than $500,000, or
- you are a closely held company and you only provide motor vehicles for private use to shareholder-employees and that benefit is limited to 2 vehicles.
This return covers the accounting year of your company. You should file it by the due date for paying end-of-year income tax.
Electing to file yearly returns for FBT
You can apply to file yearly returns by:
- completing the Fringe benefit tax election online
- phoning us on 0800 377 772 and teling us that you want to change your filing option.
- writing us a letter telling us which kind of return you would like to file, and how you qualify for this election.
Making the election by the due date
If you make an election, please complete and send it to us by the due date. If we do not receive it in time, you must file quarterly returns for the year.
Due dates for annual returns
If you are a:
- current employer you must make the election by 30 June in the year for which the election first applies. If we receive your election after this date, you must continue filing quarterly returns until the following financial year.
- new employer you must elect by the last day of the first quarter after you start employing.
Dur dates for income year returns
- Existing companies with shareholder-employees must make the election by the last day of the first FBT quarter in the income year to which the election applies. For example, a company with a 30 June balance date must elect by 30 September 2011 to file an income year return for the year ended 30 June 20.
- Companies that are new employers must elect by the last day of the first quarter after they start employing. For example, a new company that has a 30 June balance date and starts employing on 31 July 2011 must elect by 30 September 2011 to file an income year return for the year ended 30 June 2012.
Filing the annual FBT return (IR422)
You can elect to use the Fringe benefit ordinary employee annual tax return (IR422) if:
- your annual gross tax and ESCT for the previous year were $500,000 or less, or
- you were not an employer in the previous year.
This return covers the period 1 April to 31 March. You should file it by 31 May.
Date published: 07 Feb 2011
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