The government has made several changes to the regulations concerning the reporting and taxation of benefits in kind. The changes aim to simplify how employers apply the regulations in practice. The changes entered into force on 1 January 2021.
Previously, gifts from employers were tax free only when they were part of the company's general scheme; however, this requirement has been repealed. Therefore, gifts from employers can be given tax free on any occasion.
Employers can now give a tax-free gift of up to NKr5,000 (which was previously capped at NKr2,000) when the gift is something other than money. The gift limit may be combined with the tax exemption for staff discounts of NKr8,000. Therefore, employees can receive up to NKr13,000 of tax-free gifts and staff discounts every calendar year.
Tax-free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines
The government has also decided that influenza and COVID-19 vaccines covered by employers will be tax free from 2021.
