Fringe benefits tax: due dates + checklist (2026)

Fringe benefits tax can catch small businesses off guard. However, you can stay on top of it with a simple routine. So, if you provide non-cash perks to staff, use this guide before the FBT year ends.

Fringe benefits tax

Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is a tax employers pay on certain non-cash benefits provided to employees or their associates. In other words, it can apply when you provide value on top of wages.

Common examples include:

• a work car with private use

• meals and entertainment

• reimbursements and expense payments

• loans, housing, or other perks

To learn the basics, see the ATO overview:
https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/hiring-and-paying-your-workers/fringe-benefits-tax/how-fringe-benefits-tax-works

Fringe benefits tax year and key dates

The FBT year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Because of that, you can feel “up to date” for income tax and still fall behind on fringe benefits tax.

Next, lock in the lodgment dates:

• If you lodge yourself, you usually lodge and pay by 21 May.

• If a tax agent lodges electronically, the due date is generally 25 June.

• Also, if you use an agent, get on their FBT client list by 21 May to access the June due date.

For the official rules and dates, see:
https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/hiring-and-paying-your-workers/fringe-benefits-tax/fbt-registration-lodgment-payment-and-reporting/lodging-your-fbt-return-and-paying

Fringe benefits tax: common small business traps

Fringe benefits tax cleanups often come from the same issues. So, check these first.

1) Cars and private use

Car benefits create issues when records are weak. Instead, pick a method and keep the supporting info all year.

2) Entertainment

Entertainment is tricky. Therefore, keep receipts and add short notes about who attended and why.

3) “Small” benefits that add up

One-off perks feel minor. However, many small perks across the year can still create an FBT job.

4) Missing evidence

Missing records force guessing. So, save receipts and track benefits as you go.

If you want the current FBT rates and thresholds, check:
https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/fringe-benefits-tax-rates-and-thresholds

Fringe benefits tax checklist (copy/paste)

Use this checklist before 31 March:

• List all benefits provided (cars, meals, gifts, reimbursements, etc.)

• Pull receipts and match them to the right employee (where relevant)

• Confirm private vs business use, especially for vehicles

• Check whether exemptions or reductions apply

• Confirm the FBT rate and thresholds for the year

• Confirm your lodgment and payment date, then set reminders

• Save everything in one “FBT” folder for next year

Need help with fringe benefits tax?

If you want less admin, we can help you set up a clean tracking routine and prepare tidy records for lodgment.

Internal links:

• Tax returns: https://harvestwiseaccounting.com.au/services/tax-returns/

• Bookkeeping: https://harvestwiseaccounting.com.au/services/bookkeeping/

• Contact: https://harvestwiseaccounting.com.au/contact-us/

• More guides: https://harvestwiseaccounting.com.au/blog/

Disclaimer

General information only. Tax outcomes depend on your circumstances; speak to a registered tax professional for advice.