EIM26142 - The benefits code: beneficial loans: exemptions from charge: small loans: example

Section 180(1) ITEPA 2003

This example shows how the exemption for small loans (where the total balance on all loans does not exceed 拢10,000 (拢5,000 for 2013 to 2014 and earlier tax years), see EIM26140) applies. An employee had three interest free loans from his employer as follows:

Purpose Maximum balance outstanding
To pay for home improvements 拢4,000
To pay for a holiday 拢4,000
To buy his season ticket 拢2,000
Total 拢10,000

Since the maximum total balance in the year is not more than 拢10,000 no tax is chargeable under section 175(1) ITEPA 2003.

Note that if at some time in the year the balances were:

Purpose Maximum balance outstanding
Home improvements loan 拢4,100
Holiday loan 拢3,950
Season ticket loan 拢1,975
Total 拢10,025

exemption under section 180(1) ITEPA 2003 would not be due because the total balance has exceeded 拢10,000. See EIM26145 where the total balance exceeds 拢10,000, but the total of non-qualifying loans (see EIM26137) does not.