You can file fringe benefit tax (FBT) returns quarterly, by income year or annually. Filing frequency depends on the type of business you manage, the benefits you provide and how much tax you pay.
You can file your FBT returns in myIR.
Quarterly returns
All employers can file quarterly FBT returns - no election is required. You must file quarterly unless we have approved an election to file income year or annual returns.
Income year returns – shareholder-employees
You can elect to file income year returns if you’re a close company providing fringe benefits to shareholder-employees, and if in the previous income year, 1 of the following applies.
- Your annual gross PAYE (excluding ACC earners’ levy) and employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) deductions were $1,000,000 or less.
- You only provide motor vehicles for private use to shareholder-employees, and the benefit is limited to 1 or 2 vehicles.
- You were not an employer.
Making an income year return election
If you’re an existing employer, you must make an election by the last day of the 1st FBT quarter in the income year the election applies to.
If your company is a new employer, you must make an election by the last day of the quarter you started employing, in the income year the election applies to.
Annual returns – ordinary employees
You can elect to file annual returns if you provide fringe benefits to employees who are not shareholder-employees, and if in the previous tax year, 1 of the following applies.
- Your annual gross PAYE (excluding ACC earners’ levy) and employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) deductions were $1,000,000 or less.
- You did not employ any employees.
Making an annual return election
If you are an existing employer, you must make an election by 30 June in the year it applies to.
If you are a new employer, you must elect by the last day of the quarter you started employing.
Changing your filing frequency
You can change your filing frequency in myIR. If you’re not registered for myIR, send your election to us in writing.
Change your FBT filing frequency
Late elections
We do not accept late elections. If your election is late, we’ll notify you it has not been accepted. You must continue to file quarterly returns until the end of the tax year.
Dual filing options
You have an option to file FBT returns with different filing frequencies. You must elect to file dual FBT returns, meeting the conditions for income year and annual returns.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Quarterly and income year |
|
| Quarterly and annual |
|
| Income year and annual |
|
Due dates for filing returns and paying FBT
File your returns and pay the FBT by the due date. If the due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, you have until the next working day to pay the FBT.
| Quarter | Return period | 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 |
| 4 | 1 January to 31 March | 31 May |
Income year return and payment due date
The return period is the same as your company’s income tax return period. The due date for filing and paying FBT is the same as your company’s end of year income tax payment due date.
Annual return and payment due date
The return period is from 1 April to 31 March. The due date for filing and paying FBT is 31 May, following the end of the return period.