IT Contractor Tax - Accountants for Contractors

In the latest of our series on limited company expenses, we look at tax treatment of broadband installed at home.

Broadband contract in the company's name

Derek Kelly, MD of ClearSky Accounting, explains that the broadband contract would be in the name of the contractor's limited company for it to be tax deductible, and not attract taxation on the individual:

"If the broadband connection is paid for by the company and is provided at the employees/directors home then, a full deduction for the cost is allowed when calculating the corporation tax due for the year.

"Provided that any personal use of that connection is 'insignificant', no benefit in kind issues arise for the individual. If the broadband connection is used for a mixture of business and personal use then a benefit in kind will apply with the full amount paid by the company becoming taxable on the individual."

Business use of a personal broadband service

According to HMRC EIM01475,

"If the employee does not already pay for a broadband internet connection at home, and needs one in order to work from home under homeworking arrangements, the broadband fee is an additional household expense that the employer can reimburse, tax free, under Section 316A."

However, if you already have a broadband account, in your own name, and it is is not possible to split the business and personal use each month, then no part of the cost can be reimbursed by the company.

HMRC argue that there is no additional cost to you of using an existing broadband package for subsequent business use.

You can only reclaim for a proportion of personal expenses against your company if you can prove that they have been incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the course of your business activities.

This is similar to the tax treatment of business called made on an all-inclusive personal mobile phone contract.

Further information

You can view HMRC's take on internet access in the employee's home in EIM21617

As ever, always consult your accountant if you have any questions over expense claims, or your accounts.