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Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. Salary Packaging Options ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 What can you salary package? .......................................................................................................... 5
2.2 FBT Free Benefits ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Concessionally Taxed Benefit Items ................................................................................................. 8
3. Taxation ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Fringe Benefits Tax Exempt Items ................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Novated Motor Vehicle Leasing – FBT Method .............................................................................. 10
3.3 Novated Motor Vehicle Leasing – Employee Contribution Method (ECM) ................................ 11
3.4 Future Taxation .................................................................................................................................. 12
3.5 Payment Summary Reporting .......................................................................................................... 12
4. Administration .......................................................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Administration of Benefit Funds ...................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Terms and Conditions ....................................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Methods of Payment .......................................................................................................................... 14
4.4 Reconciliation .................................................................................................................................... 14
4.5 Changed Circumstances ................................................................................................................... 14
4.6 Leave ................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.7 Ceasing Packaging ............................................................................................................................ 15
4.8 Reports ............................................................................................................................................... 15
5. Administration Cost ................................................................................................................................. 16
6. Where To From Here? .............................................................................................................................. 17
7. Further Information .................................................................................................................................. 18
7.1 Access to Website ............................................................................................................................. 18
7.2 Privacy Policy ..................................................................................................................................... 18
7.3 Access to Your Personal Information.............................................................................................. 18
Appendix 1: ASSOCIATE MOTOR VEHICLE LEASE .................................................................................... 20 Appendix 2: NOVATED MOTOR VEHICLE LEASE ........................................................................................ 22 Appendix 3: REMOTE AREA HOUSING (EMPLOYER PROVIDED) ............................................................. 24 Appendix 4: REMOTE AREA RENTAL ASSISTANCE ................................................................................... 26 Appendix 5: REMOTE AREA REIMBURSEMENT OF INTEREST ................................................................. 28 Appendix 6: ....................................................................................................................................................... 30 REMOTE AREA REIMBURSEMENT ON PURCHASING OR BUILDING A PROPERTY ............................. 30 Appendix 7: REMOTE AREA – PROVISION OF GAS AND ELECTRICITY .................................................. 32 Appendix 8: REMOTE AREA – HOLIDAY TRAVEL ASSISTANCE ............................................................... 34 Appendix 9: IN HOUSE CHILDCARE EXPENSES ......................................................................................... 40 Appendix 10: IN HOUSE GYM ......................................................................................................................... 41 Appendix 11: AIRPORT LOUNGE MEMBERSHIP ......................................................................................... 42 Appendix 12: FINANCIAL COUNSELLING FEES .......................................................................................... 43 Appendix 13: ELIGIBLE WORK RELATED ITEM – TOOLS OF TRADE ....................................................... 44 Appendix 14: SELF FUNDED FLIGHTS - FLY IN FLY OUT (FIFO) ARRANGEMENTS ............................... 45 Appendix 15: FLY-IN FLY-OUT (FIFO) CAR PARKING ................................................................................. 46 Appendix 16: RELOCATION EXPENSES (DOMESTIC)…………………………………………………………..47
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Disclaimer
This Employee Information Guide (the ‘Guide’) has been prepared without consideration of the particular
investment objectives, financial situation and needs of individual employees. In all cases, employees should
conduct their own investigation and analysis of the information contained in this Guide. No employee should
act on the basis of any matter contained in this Guide without taking appropriate legal, financial and other
professional advice regarding their own particular circumstances. Each employee who wishes to take
advantage of salary packaging is advised to seek independent financial advice particularly in relation to
complex motor vehicle fringe benefits tax and income tax issues.
Rio Tinto, Maxxia Pty Ltd (‘Maxxia’), each of their related bodies corporate, each of their employees, and
every person involved in the preparation of this Guide, expressly disclaim all liability for any loss or damage of
whatsoever kind (whether foreseeable or not) which may arise from any person acting or relying on any
statements contained in this Guide, or for any advice given by any salary consultant, and notwithstanding any
negligence, default or lack of due diligence and care.
The actions of your employer and Maxxia in relation to paying employment benefits from salary packages to a
third party does not in any way imply a transfer of responsibility or liability to the employer or Maxxia in relation
to any agreement, or understanding between the employee and that third party.
Maxxia provides administration and referral services on behalf of employers as an Authorised Representative
(No. 278683) of McMillan Shakespeare Ltd (AFSL No. 299054). It does not provide any form of financial,
taxation or financial product advice to employees on the relative merits of packaging programs or on any other
basis. Some information on taxation matters may be provided to illustrate possible advantages, but such
information is of a general nature only. You should seek your own independent professional advice on how
packaging programs may impact your particular financial, taxation and welfare benefit circumstances. Maxxia
may receive commissions or rebates in connection with some services it provides or arranges to be provided
by third parties. By appointing and utilising Maxxia’s services, you consent to its receipt of such commissions
and rebates. Tax laws regarding the treatment of salary benefits may change, which could adversely impact
your financial, taxation or welfare benefit decisions.
This disclaimer does not limit or alter those statutory rights that cannot be excluded.
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1. Introduction The purpose of this Guide is to provide an outline of the salary packaging arrangements that
employees who are eligible to participate may wish to take advantage of.
Salary packaging, also commonly referred to as salary sacrificing or total remuneration packaging, is
an arrangement between an employee and their employer, whereby the employee agrees to forgo
part of their future entitlement to salary or wages in return for the employer providing the employee
with benefits of a similar value.
Salary packaging provides a range of potential advantages to employees including:
the ability to allocate before tax dollars, not after tax dollars, towards eligible benefits, and
allocating salary and optional benefits to suit individual financial and personal situations.
The Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and the Fringe
Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 together with your employer’s policy regulate and define the
type of benefits that can be included in a salary package, how the benefits are treated for taxation
purposes and the administrative arrangements that apply. This legislation or policy may change from
time to time. If changes do occur employees may be given the opportunity to adjust the structure of
their salary package to take account of any new requirements.
Fringe Benefits Tax (‘FBT’) was introduced in 1986 to tax the value of fringe benefits provided by an
employer to an employee or associate (related third party) in place of, or in addition to, the employee’s
salary or wages. FBT is payable by the employer on fringe benefits provided to employees.
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2. Salary Packaging Options In keeping with modern salary practices, employees will have the discretion to determine the mix of salary and benefits (within the approved list) that will
constitute their salary package.
Participation in salary packaging is voluntary.
2.1 What can you salary package?
The elements of the salary package are:
Salary;
Taxation;
Optional benefits; and
Administration fee(s).
All employees are eligible to salary package the following benefits:
Novated Lease (Car)
Financial Counselling Fees
Airport Lounge Memberships
Tools of Trade
Relocation Expenses (Domestic)
The following table on page 6 outlines additional benefits available by site.
At your discretion you may nominate an annual amount for each of these benefits, Fringe Benefits Tax and the Administration fee.
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All city based business unit em-ployees including corporate func-tions
Melbourne CBD Brisbane CBD Perth CBD Hunter Valley Opertions/Services Mount Thorley Warkworth
Self funded FIFO flights (contracted FIFO only) Airport car parking for FIFO (contracted FIFO only)
Aluminium Weipa Gove Yarwun
Remote area reimbursement of interest In house childcare (Weipa only) In house gymnasium fees (Weipa only) Remote area reimbursement of purchasing a prop-erty
Remote area housing (employer provided) Remote area rental assistance Remote area provision of gas and electricity (Gove only)
ERA Darwin Jabiru
Airport car parking for FIFO* Remote area reimbursement of interest (Jabiru on-ly)
Remote area housing (Jabiru only) Remote area provision of gas and electricity (Jabiru only) Self-funded FIFO flights*
Iron Ore Pilbara sites Remote area housing (employer provided) Remote area rental assistance Remote area reimbursement of interest
Remote area reimbursement of purchasing a property Self-funded FIFO flights* Airport car parking for FIFO*
Argyle Site/Kununurra Remote area housing Remote area provision of gas and electricity Remote area rental assistance Remote area reimbursement of interest
Remote area reimbursement of purchasing a property Remote area holiday travel assistance Self-funded FIFO flights* Airport car parking for FIFO*
Dampier Salt Non-Perth sites (Carnarvon, Dampier, Port Hedland)
Remote area housing Remote area provision of gas and electricity Remote area rental assistance Remote area reimbursement of interest
Remote area reimbursement of purchasing a property Self-funded FIFO flights* Airport car parking for FIFO*
* If employee is contracted to work FIFO
A detailed description of each of the benefits is provided in the Appendices to this Guide
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2.2 FBT Free Benefits
AIRPORT LOUNGE MEMBERSHIP
An employee may salary package the cost of airport lounge membership.
Further information in relation to this benefit is provided in Appendix 11 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Ref-erence Card – Salary Packaging Airline Lounge Memberships
FINANCIAL COUNSELLING
An employee may salary package payments made for the provision of salary packaging advice from a
financial advisor or accountant.
Further information in relation to this benefit is provided in Appendix 12 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Ref-erence Card – Salary Packaging Airline Lounge Memberships
IN HOUSE CHILDCARE
An employee may salary package payments made in respect of childcare fees to Rio Tinto Alcan for
the provision of childcare at Cape Kids Childcare Centre.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 10. This benefit is ONLY available to em-ployees working at Weipa.
IN HOUSE GYMNASIUM
An employee may salary package payments made in respect of Gymnasium fees to Rio Tinto Alcan
at the onsite facility at the Weipa Fitness Centre.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 9. This benefit is ONLY available to em-ployees working at Weipa.
TOOL OF TRADE
An employee may salary package the cost of tools of trade. Tools of trade are those used by the
employee in the normal course of their employment and are eligible for an income tax deduction.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 13 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Reference Card – Salary Packaging Tools of Trade
REMOTE AREA HOUSING (EMPLOYER PROVIDED)
An employee may salary package rental payments to the employer for accommodation in nominated
remote area locations provided that the employee resides in accommodation leased or owned by the
Employer. The payments made in relation to this benefit are not subject to Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).
Before undertaking remote area benefits, all Rio Tinto employees require an appointment with a local Customer Education Manager to assist them through the process. For details on how to contact your local representative, please click here.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 3 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Reference Guide – Salary Packaging Rent (company housing).
FLY IN FLY OUT (FIFO)
An employee may salary package payments the cost of airfares in relation to travel between their
usual place of employment and usual place of residence.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 14 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Reference Card – Salary Packaging Flights Policy (Australia)
FLY IN FLY OUT (FIFO) CAR PARKING
An employee may salary package the cost of parking their car at the airport when they are
undertaking travel under a fly-in fly-out arrangement .
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 15 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Reference Card – Salary Packaging Airport Parking for FIFO Employees.
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RELOCATION EXPENSES (DOMESTIC)
An employee may salary package the cost of relocation expenses incurred in moving the employee and family members from one locality to another for employment purposes.
Before establishing relocation expenses, all Rio Tinto employees require an appointment with a local Customer Education Manager to assist them through the process. For details on how to contact your local representative, please click here.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 16 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Reference Guide – Salary Packaging Domestic Relocation Expenses
2.3 Concessionally Taxed Benefit Items
MOTOR VEHICLE LEASE
For some employees the inclusion of a motor vehicle in their salary package may be an attractive
option. This may be arranged through a novated vehicle lease.
The benefits of entering such an arrangement include:
Choice of vehicle, within employer guidelines
Tax-free running costs, and
Competitive finance rates.
Under a novated lease arrangement an employee leases a motor vehicle from a financier using the
standard finance lease. A Deed of Novation is then entered into between the employee, the employer
and the financier under which the employee’s obligation to pay the lease payments under the finance
lease is transferred to the employer for the term of the Deed of Novation.
If employment ceases with the employer then the employee is directly responsible for all
payments for the vehicle.
The novated lease arrangement is governed by both the fringe benefits tax and income tax legislation
and is also approved by the Australian Taxation Office.
In addition to the lease payments, all running costs (i.e. annual registration and comprehensive
insurance, fuel, servicing and repairs) in relation to the leased vehicle are also paid through the
employee’s salary package. A fuel card (three options to choose from) will also be made available
which provides the employee with a convenient way to purchase fuel.
Only the Deed of Novation approved by your employer and which is available from Maxxia may be
used.
Further information on the types of leasing available is provided in Appendices 1 and 2.
REMOTE AREA RENTAL ASSISTANCE
An employee may salary package rental payments in respect of non employer provided
accommodation in a remote area, provided the home is the employee’s usual place of residence, is in
a remote area, the employee is a current employee and the ATO requirements for a FBT concession
are met.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 4.
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REMOTE AREA REIMBURSEMENT OF INTEREST
An employee may salary package the interest payments accrued on a housing loan provided the
home is the employee’s usual place of residence, is in a remote area, the employee is a current
employee and the ATO requirements for a FBT concession are met.
Before undertaking remote area benefits, all Rio Tinto employees require an appointment with a local Customer Education Manager to assist them through the process. For details on how to contact your local representative, please click here. Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 5 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Reference Guide – Salary Packaging Remote Housing Purchase & Interest Costs
REMOTE AREA REIMBURSEMENT OF PURCHASING OR BUILDING A PROPERTY
An employee may salary package the costs incurred on the purchase of a property in a remote area,
or the purchase of land to build a home in a remote area provided the ATO requirements for a FBT
concession are met.
Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 6 or in the Rio Tinto Quick Reference Guide – Salary Packaging Remote Housing Purchase & Interest Costs
REMOTE AREA HOUSING PROVISION OF GAS AND ELECTRICITY
An employee may salary package the cost of gas or electricity provided that the employee resides
in accommodation leased or owned by the employer. The accommodation must be in a prescribed
remote area.
Before undertaking remote area benefits, all Rio Tinto employees require an appointment with a local Customer Education Manager to assist them through the process. For details on how to contact your local representative, please click here. Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 7.
REMOTE AREA HOLIDAY TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
An employee residing in a prescribed remote area may salary package certain expenses incurred in
relation to holiday travel (of more than 3 days annual or long service leave) from the remote area and
return for themselves, their partner and children.
Before undertaking remote area benefits, all Rio Tinto employees require an appointment with a local Customer Education Manager to assist them through the process. For details on how to contact your local representative, please click here. Further information on this benefit is provided in Appendix 8.
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3. Taxation The salary component of the salary package will continue to be subject to Pay As You Go (PAYG)
taxation
deductions in accordance with the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and the Income Tax
Assessment Act 1997.
Each benefit available under the employer’s salary packaging policy falls into one of the following two
(2)
FBT categories:
FBT exempt items; and
Concessionally taxed items.
Concessionally Taxed Benefit Items FBT Free Benefit Items
Novated Motor Vehicle Lease Financial Counselling Fees
Associate Motor Vehicle Lease In House Childcare (Weipa)
Remote Area – Provision of Gas & Electricity In House Gym (Weipa)
Remote Area Holiday Travel Assistance Remote Area Housing (Employer Provided)
Remote Area Rental Assistance*
Remote Area Reimbursement of Interest*
Remote Area Reimbursement of Purchasing
or Building a Property*
Self Funded Flights (FIFO)**
FIFO Airport Parking**
Relocation Expenses (Domestic)
Tools of Trade
Airport Lounge Membership
** If employee is contracted to work FIFO * Employees living and working in a remote area on a residential contract
3.1 Fringe Benefits Tax Exempt Items
Benefit items that are either specifically exempt or not subject to FBT because an employee could
usually claim a tax deduction for the expense as an “otherwise deductible item” does not incur FBT.
If “otherwise deductible” benefits are included in a salary package they cannot be claimed as a tax
deductible item in an income tax return.
3.2 Novated Motor Vehicle Leasing – FBT Method
Motor vehicles under a lease arrangement are concessionally taxed as a result of the calculation of their taxable value for the purpose of applying FBT. Assuming annual kilometres to be travelled by the vehicle, a percentage factor of 20% is applied to its cost price in order to calculate the taxable value. This is known as the “statutory formula method” of calculating “car fringe benefits tax”.
How the statutory formula method works
The taxable value of a motor vehicle provided to the employee by the employer is calculated by the
following formula:
Taxable value = [(A x B x C) / D – E] where:
A = the cost value of the car
B = Statutory rate of 20%
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C = the number of days in the FBT year when the car was used or available for private
use of the employee
D = the number of days in the FBT year
E = the employee contribution (if any)
The FBT liability of a motor vehicle provided to the employee by the employer is calculated using the
following formula:
FBT = Taxable Value x Gross-up factor x FBT rate
For example, the FBT liability of a vehicle with a cost value of $25,000 would be $4,800, calculated as
follows:
Taxable Value = [($25,000 x 20% x 365) / 365] – $0 = $5,000
FBT = $5,000 x 2.0647 x 46.5% = $4,800
3.3 Novated Motor Vehicle Leasing – Employee Contribution Method (ECM)
The Employee Contribution Method (ECM) is a common method for salary packaging a motor vehicle
whereby the employee agrees to meet the running costs of the vehicle from a combination of pre and
post-tax salary, and/or an after-tax contribution to the employer in return for salary packaging the
vehicle. The combination of pre and post-tax salary is sent to Maxxia by the employer’s payroll
system. The result is a reduction in the taxable value of the vehicle when calculating fringe benefits
tax (FBT).
The preferred option is to contribute to the employer (as an after-tax payment) an amount equal to the
taxable value of the vehicle, the taxable value is reduced to nil, and hence the FBT is reduced to nil.
Example: For a motor vehicle of value $25,000:
Taxable value of vehicle = [(A x B x C) / D – E]
Taxable Value= [($25,000 x 20% x 365) / 365 – E]
Taxable Value= $5,000 – E
If E = $5,000, then the Taxable Value (TV) = $0
FBT= TV x 2.0647 x 46.5%
FBT= $0 x 2.0647 x 46.5% = $0
If the total running costs of the motor vehicle were $11,000 per annum, the employee using the ECM
would now pay $6,000 from pre-tax salary and $5,000 from after–tax salary. Where the employee
makes an after–tax contribution to the employer in respect of the novated lease, the employer will be
liable to Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST is one-eleventh of the employee contribution.
In the example, the ECM is $5,000, and the GST payable will be $455. This GST amount is not
passed on to the employee, but is offset against the Input Tax Credits (ITCs) available to the
employer.
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3.4 Future Taxation
The employee must also meet the cost of any current or future taxes payable by Maxxia or the
Employer or the Employee under the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986, the Income
Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment 1997, and A New Tax System (Goods and
Services Tax) Act 1999 and related legislation or similar Federal or State and Territory legislation.
3.5 Payment Summary Reporting
Employers are required to report the “grossed-up” value of fringe benefits on the employee’s
payment summary, where the total taxable value of the reportable benefits received in an FBT
year exceeds $2,000.
The grossed-up value is the sum of the value of the fringe benefit and FBT that would be payable on
the fringe benefit.
EXAMPLE: If the value of the benefit is $2,000 then the grossed-up value is calculated
as follows:
Value of Fringe Benefit = $2,000
Notional FBT ($2,000 x 0.8692) = $1,738
“Grossed-up” value ($2,000 + $1,738) = $3,738
Only fringe benefits that attract an FBT liability are reported on the payment summary. From 1 July
2009, additional superannuation contributions made under a salary sacrifice arrangement will be
included on an employee’s payment summary.
Fringe benefits included in a salary package for the FBT year (e.g. 1 April to 31 March of the next
calendar year) are reported on the payment summary for the financial year ending 30 June.
The grossed-up value of fringe benefits will be included for most government surcharges and income
tests including:
Child support obligations;
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP/HECS) repayment;
Medicare levy surcharge;
Personal superannuation contributions Rebate; and
Rebate for Spouse Superannuation Contributions.
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4. Administration The administration of salary packaging has been outsourced to Maxxia, a well-established provider of
salary packaging services throughout Australia.
The major functions to be performed by Maxxia in the administration of salary packaging are:
payment of the selected benefit item(s) in accordance with instructions provided by
the employee in the Salary Application Form
provision of reports to employees
undertaking full reconciliation of salary packages
obtaining and storing benefit payment substantiation for Australian Taxation Office
compliance and audit purposes
communicating directly with employees in relation to salary packaging, and
answering queries in relation to salary packaging.
The details concerning the administration of salary packaging are set out below and should be
carefully read prior to deciding to participate in salary packaging.
4.1 Administration of Benefit Funds
Upon commencement of salary packaging the following will be deducted on a pro-rata basis from the
employee’s salary:
the cost of the selected optional benefit(s)
any FBT applicable to these benefits, and
the administration cost.
The funds for the selected optional benefit(s) will be provided to Maxxia for disbursement.
Payments for benefit items will only be made where sufficient funds exist at the time the payment is
due or the employee submits a request for payment. Accordingly, when deciding to allocate money to
a particular benefit, employees may wish to provide an additional amount to meet any anticipated
increases in the cost of the payments.
4.2 Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions will apply:
benefit payments will only be made where Maxxia has received a salary package deduction
where insufficient package funds are available to cover a payment, no benefit payment will
be made
all benefit payments will cease immediately for those employees that terminate or are on leave
without pay where alternative arrangements have not been made
employees are only permitted to package benefits which form part of the employer’s approved
package menu, and
an employee may request for any unspent funds to be returned to the employee through the payroll
system when a change is made to the salary package.
These terms and conditions may be updated from time to time.
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4.3 Methods of Payment
REGULAR PAYMENTS
Benefit(s) that have a fixed instalment amount and occur on a regular basis (e.g. motor vehicle lease
payments) will be paid as a regular payment. The following details should be provided for these
payments:
name and address of where payments should be made
frequency of the payments
payment amount
commencement date for regular payments, and
BSB and account number for regular direct EFT and payments.
NON REGULAR PAYMENTS
These payments are for benefit(s) that do not have a fixed instalment amount, or do not occur on a
regular basis (e.g. motor vehicle registration). Payments will be made on receipt of a completed
Reimbursement Claim Form.
An employee who pays directly the cost of a benefit(s) will be reimbursed on receipt of a completed
Reimbursement Claim Form. Reimbursement will be by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the
employee’s nominated bank or credit union account.
Non-regular payments and reimbursements will be made by Maxxia, subject to the employee having
sufficient package funds, within two business days of receiving an employee’s request. Please note
that the bank may take another few days to clear funds.
4.4 Reconciliation
A reconciliation of the salary package will occur when an employee alters their salary package.
Any balance remaining in an employee’s salary package on termination of employment will be paid as
salary and taxed accordingly.
Where Maxxia pays any expense that relates to the employee’s salary package, which is in excess of
the amount nominated, the employee will be required to repay such an expense.
4.5 Changed Circumstances
An employee may alter their salary package at no cost during the FBT year (i.e. 1 April to 31 March of
the next year).
4.6 Leave
An employee may be required to cease or suspend any salary packaging arrangements during any
period of leave. In most instances approval of any period of leave without pay will require the
employee to cease or suspend salary packaging.
The employee should notify Maxxia where an employee’s salary packaging arrangements will be
affected as a result of the approval of paid or unpaid leave. Where possible this notification should be
provided prior to the commencement of the leave period to enable the necessary administrative
arrangements to be made.
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4.7 Ceasing Packaging
An employee may elect at any time to cease salary packaging by giving at least twenty-eight (28)
days notice in writing to Maxxia.
In all circumstances where an employee’s salary packaging arrangements cease, it is necessary that
the employee notify Maxxia of their cessation date. This enables Maxxia to send final payments and
determine any action to be taken with account balances.
Any unspent funds will be returned to the employer who will arrange for these funds to be returned to
the employee via the payroll system. Note that these funds will be subject to PAYG taxation.
Any outstanding fees owing at the time of termination of an employee’s salary package arrangements
must be paid and will be deducted from the employee’s final termination payment (or as otherwise
agreed as per the Salary Packaging Agreement).
Any salary packaging arrangements will cease in the event that an employee is suspended without
pay or when employment is terminated.
4.8 Reports
Employees participating in salary packaging will receive quarterly reports in hard copy that provide
details on payments made for selected benefit items.
In addition the following online transaction reports are available:
Account Balance Report – shows the packaging account balance at the time of accessing the
report; and
Transactions in Last 90 days – lists the salary packaging contributions received and details of
payments made during the last 90 days.
The instructions for accessing online reports by the internet will be provided to the employee at the
commencement of salary packaging.
Employees can obtain an account balance by phone between the hours of 8.00am – 7.00pm
(EST/EDST) by calling Maxxia on 1300 123 123.
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5. Administration Cost Employees who choose to participate in salary packaging will be required to include within their salary
package the administration cost.
Administration Fee Description
Monthly Fee
(including
GST)
Salary packaging a Fully Maintained Novated lease or Associate Lease only $27.50
Salary packaging a combination of benefit items including a Motor Vehicle Lease. $42.41
Salary packaging a combination of benefit items excluding a Motor Vehicle Lease. $23.32
Employees wishing to salary package a motor vehicle under a novated lease must speak with a
Maxxia leasing consultant who will provide the employee with information and facts relevant to their
proposed lease.
During this consultation the employee will be required to complete a Novated Lease Checklist to
confirm their understanding of the information and facts provided.
Maxxia will forward a copy of the checklist to the employee together with their lease proposal.
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6. Where To From Here? If you wish to enquire about salary packaging a novated motor vehicle lease, call Maxxia My Car on 1300 123 123 or contact your local state office to arrange a consultation with a Customer Education Manager.
Maxxia’s Customer Education Managers travel the width and breadth of all states in Australia on a regular basis and are available for consultations when in your area. Alternatively, if access is difficult, our Customer Education Managers can arrange a person to person Webinex consultation where there is an available internet connection.
If you are considering packaging remote area benefits, or merely consult on your available benefits and wish to make an appointment with a Customer Education Manager at your local state office or when they are out on site, please see below:
WA State Office (WA/NT/SA) Phone: 08 9363 7000 Email: [email protected]
NSW Office (QLD/NSW/VIC) [email protected]
For simple salary packaging transactions (FIFO Parking/FIFO Flights/Tools of Trade/Airport Lounge Membership), please contact Maxxia’s Customer Care Centre on 1300 123 123 for assistance in the establishment of your package.
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7. Further Information A toll-free enquiry service has been established to provide information to employees in relation to
salary packaging. This service does not provide financial advice. However, the operators can assist
with general information regarding the salary packaging options that are available.
The enquiry service operates from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (EST/EDST) Monday to Friday.
Vehicle Lease Enquiries: 1300 123 123
General Enquiries: 1300 123 123
Website Address: maxxia.com.au
7.1 Access to Website
General information about salary packaging is available at maxxia.com.au
Specific employer policy information, Application Forms and Declarations are available by logging on
using your employer user id and password.
USER ID: RIOTINTO
PASSWORD: AUSTRALIA
All participating employees can also access their salary packaging reports online. The instructions
for accessing online reports using the internet will be provided when the employee commences
salary packaging.
7.2 Privacy Policy
Maxxia is bound by the National Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988. Maxxia has
procedures in place to ensure the strict confidentiality of personal client information.
Maxxia’s Privacy Policy regulates the type of personal information we collect as well as the use of the
personal information. Your personal information is used by Maxxia to provide you with salary
packaging administration services, and in some cases to assist you in the acquisition of a motor
vehicle under a novated lease. Maxxia may also use this information to keep you informed of new
Maxxia products and services.
You can obtain a copy of the Maxxia’s Privacy Policy by contacting us. Alternatively you can obtain a
copy of the Privacy Policy from our website at maxxia.com.au
7.3 Access to Your Personal Information
Under the National Privacy Principles you are generally entitled to access the personal information
Maxxia holds about you. You can request access to your personal information by writing directly to
Maxxia at:
The Privacy Officer
Maxxia Pty Ltd
Locked Bag 18
Collins Street East
MELBOURNE VIC 8003
Or email Maxxia at [email protected]
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 19 of 48
Where you are entitled to obtain access to your personal information, the time we require to give you
access will depend on the type of information requested. In some circumstances we may charge you
a fee for providing access to your personal information. The fee will be based on our costs in locating
the information and the form of access you require. In all cases we will provide you with an estimate
of the fee so that you can confirm that you still require access to your personal information.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 20 of 48
Appendix 1: ASSOCIATE MOTOR VEHICLE LEASE
DESCRIPTION An associate lease involves the leasing of a vehicle owned or being purchased
by an associate of the employee (spouse, child over 18 year of age, family
member or family company). The associate leases the vehicle to the employer
who in turn provides it to the employee as part of their salary package.
What is allowable?
Direct lease payments.
Running costs (e.g. fuel, insurance, registration, servicing, maintenance and tyres).
Where capital improvements are made to the motor vehicle (e.g. sunroof, CD player) after the commencement of the lease, these items cannot be included in the salary package.
The cost of stamp duty and other costs related to the purchase of the motor vehicle can only be salary packaged as part of the lease cost, i.e. not as running costs.
Substantiation Copy of Associate Lease documentation.
Dealer’s invoice evidencing the purchase price of the motor vehicle if the vehicle is purchased at the commencement of the Associate Lease.
Independent valuation of the motor vehicle if the vehicle is already owned or being purchased by the “associate” prior to the commencement of the associate lease.
Original receipts must be submitted for reimbursement of running costs incurred by the employee where a fuel card is not used.
Original invoices must be submitted where an employee is seeking a direct payment for registration or insurance.
Taxation Issue Concessional FBT applies and is calculated by using the statutory formula method.
Goods and Services Tax does not apply to Motor Vehicle Registration, but does apply to the component relating to compulsory third party insurance.
Input Tax Credits are available.
The cost of a novated motor vehicle salary packaged are “grossed up” and may be included on the employee’s payment summary, as a fringe benefit.
Where the employee adopts the ECM and reduces the FBT on the motor vehicle to Nil, the benefit will not be included on the employee’s payment summary.
Maxxia will contact each employee with a motor vehicle lease in September and December of each year to obtain an interim motor vehicle odometer declaration.
The 2011-12 Federal Budget changes will see all leases, regardless of kilometres travelled, have a standard statutory percentage of 20% applied by 1 April 2014. Employees driving more than 25,000km will have a rate at the start of the lease, which will be revised each year until 1 April 2014 when a 20% standard rate is achieved. For these leases, Maxxia will contact the employees in writing if their annual kilometres are not on track.
The budget changes will not impact leases commenced prior to 10 May 2011 therefore Maxxia will continue to contact the employees in writing if their annual kilometres are not on track.
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Taxation Issue (continued)
Each employee will be required to lodge an end of FBT year odometer reading with Maxxia by 7 April of each year. Where the employee does not provide Maxxia with the odometer reading, Maxxia will calculate their FBT liability based on the highest statutory percentage.
The lodgement of the end of FBT year odometer reading is done via the Maxxia automated telephone odometer reading service and the Maxxia website.
Employee Declaration
Where the odometer reading declaration is not provided by the employee at the end of the FBT year, the FBT on the motor vehicle will be calculated using the highest statutory percentage (i.e.26% for pre – 10 May 2011 commitments and 20% for post – 10 May 2011), resulting in a higher than budgeted FBT liability.
A ‘Motor Vehicle-Fuel and Oil Expenses Declaration’ will be required where payments towards the running costs are being claimed to reduce the taxable value of the motor vehicle.
Repayment of any FBT incurred is the responsibility of the employee
Form of Payment
Lease payments – made directly to the associate.
Motor vehicle charge card – fuel and maintenance
Package Cost Lease payments, running costs plus any applicable FBT.
Additional Information
The associate party in an associate lease arrangement is strongly encouraged to take their own professional advice in relation to the financial, taxation and legal considerations for them in participating in the associate lease transaction.
Where input tax credits (i.e. a refund of GST) are available, a tax invoice must be submitted with the claim form.
If a complying tax invoice is not provided, input tax credits will not be processed by Maxxia.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 22 of 48
Appendix 2: NOVATED MOTOR VEHICLE LEASE
DESCRIPTION This is an arrangement whereby a motor vehicle is provided to an employee
by the employer through a novated lease, within the
employer’s guidelines.
You must use your employer’s Deed of Novation, which is available
from Maxxia.
What is Allowed? Direct Lease payments.
Running costs (fuel, insurance, registration, servicing and maintenance e.g. tyres).
Where capital improvements are made to the motor vehicle (e.g. sunroof, CD player) after the commencement of the lease, these items cannot be included in the salary package.
The cost of stamp duty and other costs related to the purchase of the motor vehicle can only be salary packaged as part of the lease cost, i.e. not as running costs.
Employee Contribution Method
The Employee Contribution Method (ECM) enables an employee to reduce the FBT of a novated motor vehicle to nil by making a post tax contribution to the operating costs of the vehicle.
The amount of employee’s contribution required must be equal to the taxable value of the motor vehicle.
Contributions made by an employee are subject to GST.
The GST on the employee contributions is calculated as 1/11th of the amount contributed by the employee.
Taxation Issues Goods and Services Tax does not apply to Motor Vehicle Registration, but does apply to the component relating to compulsory third party insurance.
The Type 1 gross-up factor of 2.0647 applies to a ‘Novated Motor Vehicle Lease’.
Input Tax Credits are available.
The cost of a novated motor vehicle salary packaged are “grossed up” and may be reported on the employee’s payment summary as a fringe benefit.
Where the employee adopts the ECM and reduces the FBT on the motor vehicle to Nil, the benefit will not be reported on the employee’s payment summary.
Maxxia will contact each employee with a motor vehicle lease in September and December of each year to obtain an interim motor vehicle odometer declaration.
The 2011-12 Federal Budget changes will see all leases, regardless of kilometres travelled, have a standard statutory percentage of 20% applied by 1 April 2014. Employees driving more than 25,000km will have a rate at the start of the lease, which will be revised each year until 1 April 2014 when a 20% standard rate is achieved. For these leases, Maxxia will contact the employees in writing if their annual kilometres are not on track.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 23 of 48
Taxation Issues (continued)
The budget changes will not impact leases commenced prior to 10 May 2011 therefore Maxxia will continue to contact the employees in writing if their annual kilometres are not on track. Each Employee will be required to lodge an end of FBT year odometer reading with Maxxia by 7 April of each year. Where the employee does not provide Maxxia with a completed declaration then Maxxia will calculate the FBT liability based on the highest statutory fraction.
The lodgement of the quarterly and end of FBT year odometer readings is done via the Maxxia automated telephone odometer reading service and the Maxxia website.
Leasing of Luxury Vehicles
When an employer novates a vehicle to an employee and the cost of the vehicle exceeds the luxury car tax limit of $57,466 (for accounting and taxation purposes), different taxation rules apply to the treatment of this vehicle from a company taxation perspective. In these circumstances the employer’s entitlement to claim an income tax deduction in respect of the luxury car lease is reduced. In order to compensate the employer for the partial loss of the tax deduction in respect of the luxury car lease, Maxxia calculates the loss of tax deduction (referred to be Maxxia as the Luxury Car Depreciation Allowance) and includes that amount in an employee’s novated lease proposal. The LCDA is retained by the employer to ensure that they are not disadvantaged from a taxation and financial aspect due to the employee entering into a novated luxury lease.
Substantiation Deed of Novation (signatory page and front page of lease, including the execution date, only required).
Copy of the finance schedule from the finance lease.
Dealer invoice for the purchase price of the motor vehicle.
Original invoices must be submitted where an employee is seeking a direct payment for registration or insurance.
At the end of each FBT year the employee is required to provide a declaration in relation to the opening and closing odometer readings for the number of kilometres travelled during the FBT year.
Employee Declaration
Where the odometer reading declaration is not provided by the employee at the end of the FBT year, the FBT on the motor vehicle will be calculated using the highest statutory percentage (i.e.26% for pre – 10 May 2011 commitments and 20% for post – 10 May 2011), resulting in a higher than budgeted FBT liability.
A ‘Motor Vehicle-Fuel and Oil Expenses Declaration’ will be required where payments towards the running costs are being claimed to reduce the taxable value of the motor vehicle.
Form of Payment Lease payments – made directly to financier.
Motor vehicle charge card – fuel and maintenance.
Additional Information
Where input tax credits (i.e. a refund of GST) are available, a tax invoice must be submitted with the claim form.
If a complying tax invoice is not provided, input tax credits will not be processed by Maxxia.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 24 of 48
Appendix 3: REMOTE AREA HOUSING (EMPLOYER PROVIDED)
DESCRIPTION A remote area housing fringe benefit will arise where an employer
provides a housing benefit to an employee, where the employee lives and
works in a prescribed remote area.
Where the arrangement meets certain conditions, the provision of the
housing benefit by the employer to the employee will be exempt from FBT.
Applicable Section
of the Fringe
Benefit Tax
Assessment Act
1986
Section 58ZC of the Fringe Benefit Tax Assessment Act 1986 provides for
the exemption from FBT subject to certain conditions being met.
Conditions for the
FBT Exemption or
FBT Concession
To qualify for the FBT exemption, the following conditions must be met:
A ‘housing benefit must be provided by an employer to the employee. A housing benefit is a benefit that arises where an employee is granted a right to occupy, as his/her usual place of residence, a unit of accommodation provided by an employer.
The employee must live in a remote area.
The employee must work in a remote area.
The employee must be a current employee. Past and future employees do not qualify for the exemption.
It is necessary for the employer to arrange or provide remote area benefits to their employees because:
– the nature of the employer’s business is that employees are liable to be frequently required to change their usual place of residence; or
– there was not sufficient suitable residential accommodation available in the area in which the employee is employed; or
– it is customary in the employer’s industry to provide remote area benefits to their employees.
To be customary, the ATO must be satisfied that it is normal for employees of that class or job description in that industry to be provided with same or similar benefits.
Tax Effect If all of the above conditions are satisfied, the provision of the remote area
housing benefit by the employer to the employee will be exempt from FBT.
Goods and Services Tax does not apply, and Input Tax Credits are not
available.
Substantiation
Requirements
The decision as to whether an employee lives and works in a prescribed remote
area lies with the employer. For the benefit to be made available to the
employee, the employer must sign the ‘Employer Declaration’. If the employer
does not sign the declaration, the benefit will not be made available to the
employee.
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Calculating the
Taxable Value
Due to the exemption from FBT, the taxable value of this benefit is NIL.
Calculating the Cost
to the Employee’s
Package
The cost to the employee’s salary package will be the amount of rent paid by
the employee in respect of the housing benefit provided by the employer.
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
Assumptions:
Annual salary $120,000
Rental payment $20,000
PAYG rates effective 1 July 2012. Input tax credits in relation to the Administration Fee are passed back to the employee.
Item No Packaging Packaging
Salary $120,000 $120,000
Rental payment $0 ($20,000)
FBT $0 $0
Average Administration
fee $0 ($280)
Input tax credits $0 $25
Net Salary $120,000 $99,745
Tax & Medicare ($34,147) ($26,349)
Net Salary $85,853 $73,396
Rental payment ($20,000) $0
Net Cash Salary $65,853 $73,396
Net Benefit n/a $7,543
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 26 of 48
Appendix 4: REMOTE AREA RENTAL ASSISTANCE
DESCRIPTION A remote area housing rental assistance fringe benefit will arise where the
employee lives and works in a prescribed remote area and enters into a
tenancy agreement with the owner of the property, or a real estate agent in
respect of a unit of accommodation.
The housing benefit (or unit of accommodation) is not provided by the
employer.
Where the arrangement meets certain conditions, the rental incurred by
the employee will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
The taxable value of the benefit is reduced by 50% of the amount paid by
the employee (that is, the recipient’s expenditure). This must not be
confused with the 50% reduction in the taxable value of other remote area
benefits.
Applicable Section
of the Fringe
Benefit Tax
Assessment Act
1986
Section 60(2A) of the Fringe Benefit Tax Assessment Act 1986 provides for
the concessional FBT treatment subject to certain conditions being met.
Conditions for the
FBT Exemption or
FBT Concession
To qualify for the FBT exemption, the following conditions must be met:
A ‘housing benefit must be provided by an employer to the employee. A housing benefit is a benefit that arises where an employee is granted a right to occupy, as his/her usual place of residence, a unit of accommodation provided by an employer.
The employee must live in a remote area.
The employee must work in a remote area.
The employee must be a current employee. Past and future employees do not qualify for the exemption.
It is necessary for the employer to arrange or provide remote area benefits to their employees because:
– the nature of the employer’s business is that employees are liable to be frequently required to change their usual place of residence; or
– there was not sufficient suitable residential accommodation available in the area in which the employee is employed; or
– it is customary in the employer’s industry to provide remote area benefits to their employees.
To be customary, the ATO must be satisfied that it is normal for employees of that class or job description in that industry to be provided with same or similar benefits.
Tax Effect If all of the above conditions are satisfied, the remote area housing rental assistance benefit will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
Goods and Services Tax does not apply, and Input Tax Credits are not
available.
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Substantiation
Requirements
The decision as to whether an employee lives and works in a prescribed remote
area lies with the employer. For the benefit to be made available to the
employee, the employer must sign the ‘Employer Declaration’. If the employer
does not sign the declaration, the benefit will not be made available to the
employee.
Calculating the
Taxable Value
The method used to calculate the taxable value of the benefit is as follows:
Method - Salary package 100% of the rental paid. Taxable value is 50% of the
amount paid by the employee. FBT calculated on 50% taxable value.
Calculating the Cost
to the Employee’s
Package
The cost to the employee’s salary package will be the amount of rent paid by
the employee (plus any applicable FBT).
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
Method – Packaging 100% of the gross rental paid
Assumptions:
Annual salary $120,000
Rental payment $20,000
PAYG rates effective 1 July 2012. Input tax credits in relation to the Administration Fee are passed back to the employee.
Item No Packaging Packaging
Salary $120,000 $120,000
Rental Payment $0 ($20,000)
FBT $0 ($8,691)
Average Administration
Fee $0 ($280)
Input Tax Credits $0 $25
Net Salary $120,000 $91,054
Tax & Medicare ($34,147) ($23,003)
Net Salary $85,853 $68,051
Rental Payment ($20,000) $0
Net Cash Salary $65,853 $68,051
Net Benefit n/a $2,198
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 28 of 48
Appendix 5: REMOTE AREA REIMBURSEMENT OF INTEREST
DESCRIPTION A remote area reimbursement of interest benefit will arise where an
employee enters into a loan arrangement for the purpose of purchasing a
dwelling located in a remote that is to be used as the employee’s usual
place of residence.
Where there is a draw down facility on the mortgage account which is
accessed by the employee, the funds must be used solely for the
construction of an extension to the remote area dwelling. If the funds are
used for any other purpose, the FBT concession for this benefit is no
longer available.
Where the arrangement meets certain conditions, the interest on the loan
incurred by the employee will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
A 50% reduction in the taxable value of the reimbursement of interest benefit will apply.
Applicable Section
of the Fringe
Benefit Tax
Assessment Act
1986
Section 60(2) of the Fringe Benefit Tax Assessment Act 1986 provides for the
concessional FBT treatment subject to certain conditions being met.
Conditions for the
FBT Exemption or
FBT Concession
To qualify for the FBT exemption, the following conditions must be met:
A ‘housing benefit must be provided by an employer to the employee. A housing benefit is a benefit that arises where an employee is granted a right to occupy, as his/her usual place of residence, a unit of accommodation provided by an employer.
The employee must live in a remote area.
The employee must work in a remote area.
The employee must be a current employee. Past and future employees do not qualify for the exemption.
It is necessary for the employer to arrange or provide remote area benefits to their employees because:
– the nature of the employer’s business is that employees are liable to be frequently required to change their usual place of residence; or
– there was not sufficient suitable residential accommodation available in the area in which the employee is employed; or
– it is customary in the employer’s industry to provide remote area benefits to their employees.
To be customary, the ATO must be satisfied that it is normal for employees of that class or job description in that industry to be provided with same or similar benefits.
Tax Effect If all of the above conditions are satisfied, the remote area reimbursement of interest benefit will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
Goods and Services Tax does not apply, and Input Tax Credits are not available.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 29 of 48
Substantiation
Requirements
The decision as to whether an employee lives and works in a prescribed remote area lies with the employer. For the benefit to be made available to the employee, the employer must sign the ‘Employer Declaration’. If the employer does not sign the declaration, the benefit will not be made available to the employee.
Calculating the
Taxable Value
Due to the concessional FBT treatment, the taxable value of the reimbursement of interest benefit is reduced by 50% of the cost of the interest per annum plus the applicable FBT.
Calculating the Cost
to the Employee’s
Package
The cost to the employee’s salary package will be the amount of interest paid by
the employee in respect of the housing loan benefit plus the applicable FBT.
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
Assumptions:
Annual salary $120,000
Interest reimbursed $20,000
PAYG rates effective 1 July 2012. Input tax credits in relation to the Administration Fee are passed back to the employee.
Item No Packaging Packaging
Salary $120,000 $120,000
Interest Payment $0 ($20,000)
FBT $0 ($8,691)
Average Administration
Fee $0 ($280)
Input Tax Credits $0 $25
Net Salary $120,000 $91,054
Tax & Medicare ($34,147) ($23,003)
Net Salary $85,853 $68,051
Interest Payment ($20,000) $0
Net Cash Salary $65,853 $68,051
Net Benefit n/a $2,198
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 30 of 48
Appendix 6:
REMOTE AREA REIMBURSEMENT ON PURCHASING OR BUILDING A PROPERTY
DESCRIPTION A remote area reimbursement on purchasing of building a property benefit
will arise where the employee incurs costs in connection with the
purchasing a property in a remote area, the purchase of land to build a
home in a remote area, or the loan deposit and principal.
Where the arrangement meets certain conditions, the costs incurred by
the employee will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
A 50% reduction in the taxable value of the reimbursement on purchasing
or building a property benefit will apply.
Applicable Section
of the Fringe
Benefit Tax
Assessment Act
1986
Section 60(4) of the Fringe Benefit Tax Assessment Act 1986 provides for the
concessional FBT treatment subject to certain conditions being met.
Conditions for the
FBT Exemption or
FBT Concession
To qualify for the FBT exemption, the following conditions must be met:
A ‘housing benefit must be provided by an employer to the employee. A housing benefit is a benefit that arises where an employee is granted a right to occupy, as his/her usual place of residence, a unit of accommodation provided by an employer.
The employee must live in a remote area.
The employee must work in a remote area.
The employee must be a current employee. Past and future employees do not qualify for the exemption.
It is necessary for the employer to arrange or provide remote area benefits to their employees because:
– the nature of the employer’s business is that employees are liable to be frequently required to change their usual place of residence; or
– there was not sufficient suitable residential accommodation available in the area in which the employee is employed; or
– it is customary in the employer’s industry to provide remote area benefits to their employees.
To be customary, the ATO must be satisfied that it is normal for employees of that class or job description in that industry to be provided with same or similar benefits.
Tax Effect If all of the above conditions are satisfied, the remote area reimbursement of purchasing or building a property benefit will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
Goods and Services Tax does not apply, and Input Tax Credits are not available.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 31 of 48
Substantiation
Requirements
The decision as to whether an employee lives and works in a prescribed remote area lies with the employer. For the benefit to be made available to the employee, the employer must sign the ‘Employer Declaration’. If the employer does not sign the declaration, the benefit will not be made available to the employee.
The employee must provide a ‘Copy of Offer and Acceptance’ and ‘Settlement Statement’ showing the purchase date and the expenses incurred.
The employee must also provide statements and invoices substantiating other
costs such as stamp duty.
Calculating the
Taxable Value
Due to the concessional FBT treatment, the taxable value of the reimbursement
of purchasing or building a property benefit is reduced by 50%.
Calculating the Cost
to the Employee’s
Package
The cost to the employee’s salary package will be the amount of the
reimbursement received by the employee in respect of the purchasing or
building a property benefit plus the applicable FBT.
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
Assumptions:
Annual salary $120,000
Building or purchasing costs reimbursed $20,000
PAYG rates effective 1 July 2012. Input tax credits in relation to the Administration Fee are passed back to the employee.
Item No Packaging Packaging
Salary $120,000 $120,000
Purchasing or Building
Expenses $0 ($20,000)
FBT $0 ($8,691)
Average Administration
Fee $0 ($280)
Input Tax Credits $0 $25
Net Salary $120,000 $91,054
Tax & Medicare ($34,147) ($23,003)
Net Salary $85,853 $68,051
Purchasing or Building
Expenses ($20,000) $0
Net Cash Salary $65,853 $68,051
Net Benefit n/a $2,198
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 32 of 48
Appendix 7: REMOTE AREA – PROVISION OF GAS AND ELECTRICITY
DESCRIPTION A remote area residential fuel benefit will arise where the employee incurs
costs in connection with residential fuel to be used in connection with
their usual place of residence in a remote area.
Residential fuel is defined to mean any form of fuel (including electricity)
for use for domestic purposes.
Where the arrangement meets certain conditions, the costs incurred by
the employee will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
A 50% reduction in the taxable value of the remote area residential fuel
benefit will apply.
Applicable Section
of the Fringe
Benefit Tax
Assessment Act
1986
Section 59 of the Fringe Benefit Tax Assessment Act 1986 provides for the
concessional FBT treatment subject to certain conditions being met.
Conditions for the
FBT Exemption or
FBT Concession
To qualify for the FBT concession, the following conditions must be met:
The benefit is an expense payment fringe benefit, a property fringe benefit, or a residual fringe benefit in respect of remote area residential fuel.
The employee must be in receipt of a remote area housing benefit, a housing loan benefit, or a housing rent benefit.
Tax Effect If all of the above conditions are satisfied, the remote area residential fuel benefit will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
Goods and Services Tax applies, and Input Tax Credits are available.
Substantiation
Requirements
The decision as to whether an employee lives and works in a prescribed remote area lies with the employer. For the benefit to be made available to the employee, the employer must sign the ‘Employer Declaration’. If the employer does not sign the declaration, the benefit will not be made available to the employee.
The employee must provide original receipts and tax invoices substantiating the
residential fuel costs when seeking reimbursement.
Calculating the
Taxable Value
Due to the concessional FBT treatment, the taxable value of the remote area
residential fuel benefit is reduced by 50%.
Calculating the Cost
to the Employee’s
Package
The cost to the employee’s salary package will be the amount of the
reimbursement received by the employee in respect of the residential fuel
benefit plus the applicable FBT.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 33 of 48
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
Assumptions:
Annual salary $120,000
Residential fuel expense $5,000
PAYG rates effective 1 July 2012. Input tax credits in relation to the Administration Fee are passed back to the employee.
Item No Packaging Packaging
Salary $120,000 $120,000
Residential Fuel $0 ($5,000)
FBT $0 ($2,400)
Average Administration
Fee $0 ($280)
Input Tax Credits $0 $480
Net Salary $120,000 $112,800
Tax & Medicare ($34,147) ($31,375)
Net Salary $85,853 $81,425
Residential Fuel ($5,000) $0
Net Cash Salary $80,853 $81,425
Net Benefit n/a $572
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 34 of 48
Appendix 8: REMOTE AREA – HOLIDAY TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
DESCRIPTION A remote area holiday travel assistance benefit will arise where the
employee incurs costs in connection with holiday travel (of more than 3
days annual or long service leave) from the remote area and return.
The benefit includes the cost of the holiday travel for the employee, their
partner and child/children.
Where the arrangement meets certain conditions, the costs incurred by
the employee will be treated concessionally for FBT purposes.
The taxable value of the remote area holiday travel assistance benefit will
depend on the destination of the travel undertaken by the employee..
Applicable Section
of the Fringe
Benefit Tax
Assessment Act
1986
Sections 60A and 61 of the Fringe Benefit Tax Assessment Act 1986
provides for the concessional FBT treatment subject to certain conditions being met.
The concessional FBT treatment is dependent upon the employee’s ‘point of hire’ (as listed in their employment agreement) and the travel destination.
Conditions for the
FBT Exemption or
FBT Concession
To qualify for the FBT concession, the following conditions must be met:
The benefit is an expense payment fringe benefit, a property fringe benefit, or a residual fringe benefit in respect of transport, or accommodation, or meals en route.
The employee, apart from temporary absences, performs their duties of employment in a remote area.
The transport must be between the remote area employment location and
the relevant capital city in that state or territory, or
another place.
Transport provided to the employee must be during a period of recreation leave.
Spouse or Child Resides With the Employee
The transport must be between a place at or near the remote area employment location and another place (i.e. the holiday destination)
Spouse or Child Does Not Reside With the Employee
The transport must be between the place where they meet the employee and another place (i.e. the holiday destination)
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 35 of 48
Tax Effect The following expenses can be salary packaged by the employee:
Air fares
Meals (en route only)
Accommodation (en route only)
Travel to and from the holiday destination in the employee’s own car
Hire car and hire car costs (en route only); and
Any costs associated with the transport to and from the holiday destination.
Goods and Services Tax applies, and Input Tax Credits are available.
Take note that costs incurred at the destination, such as meals,
accommodation, and car hire, are not to be reimbursed to the employee.
Expenses incurred at the destination are not eligible for the concessional
FBT treatment for remote area holiday travel assistance.
For a remote area travel assistance benefit to be an excluded benefit and not
included on an employee’s payment summary, the travel must be within
Australia to major population centres.
As a result, all overseas travel and domestic travel to non-major
population centres (and associated costs) will be a reportable fringe
benefit.
Substantiation
Requirements
The decision as to whether an employee lives and works in a prescribed remote area lies with the employer. For the benefit to be made available to the employee, the employer must sign the ‘Employer Declaration’. If the employer does not sign the declaration, the benefit will not be made available to the employee.
The employee must provide original receipts and tax invoices substantiating the
holiday transport costs when seeking reimbursement.
Calculating the
Taxable Value
Due to the concessional FBT treatment, the taxable value of the remote area
holiday travel assistance benefit is generally reduced by 50%.
Where the travel is to the employee’s ‘point of hire’, or the capital city in the
State or Territory in which the remote worksite is located, the taxable value
of the remote area holiday travel assistance benefit (in respect of en route
costs only) is reduced by 50%.
Where the travel is not to the employee’s ‘point of hire’, or the capital city in
the State or Territory in which the remote worksite is located, the taxable
value of the remote area holiday travel assistance benefit is reduced by the
lower of 50% of the taxable value of the benefit, or 50% of the lowest return
economy airfare from the remote area to the capital city of the State or
Territory in which the remote worksite is located. For the Northern Territory,
Adelaide is taken to be the relevant capital city for the calculation of the
benefit.
The lowest return economy airfare from the remote area to the capital city of
the State or Territory in which the remote worksite is located is referred to as
the Benchmark Travel Amount (BTA).
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 36 of 48
When the remote area is the same as the point of hire, the taxable value of
the benefit is reduced by 50%.
The reduction of the taxable value of the benefit in each of the above
scenarios cannot exceed 50%.
Calculating the Cost
to the Employee’s
Package
The cost to the employee’s salary package will be the amount of the
reimbursement received by the employee in respect of the remote area holiday
travel assistance benefit plus the applicable FBT.
The estimated amount of FBT will be calculated at the time of establishing the
employee’s salary package and deducted from the employee’s pre-tax salary in
addition to the cost of the benefit.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 37 of 48
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
Travel to the employee’s point of hire, or the capital city in the State or Territory in which the remote workplace is located – taxable value is reduced by 50%
Assumptions
Point of hire is Perth
Employee lives and works in the remote area of Mudgee
Employee travels from Mudgee to Perth
The costs incurred are:
Airfares $2,000
Meals (en route) $500
Accommodation (at the
destination)
$1,000
TOTAL $3,500
FBT Calculation
FBT = [($3,500 - $1,000) x 50%] x 2.0647 x 46.5%
FBT = $1,200.10
Cost to Salary Package
Package cost = $2,500 + $1,200.10
Package cost = $3,700.10
Note that the accommodation costs have not been included in the above
calculation and must not be reimbursed to the employee as they are expenses
incurred at the destination and not en route as required by the FBT legislation.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 38 of 48
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
Travel not to the
employee’s point of
hire – taxable value
is reduced by the
lower of 50% of the
taxable value of the
benefit or 50% of
the Benchmark
Travel Amount
Assumptions
Point of hire is Perth
Employee lives and works in the remote area of Mudgee
Employee travels from Mudgee to Adelaide
The costs incurred are:
Airfares $1,000
Meals (en route) $500
Accommodation $0
TOTAL $1,500
The Benchmark Travel Amount Mudgee to Perth is $1,600.
As the taxable value of the benefit $1,500) is less than the benchmark
travel amount ($1,600), the taxable value of the benefit is reduced by $750
(i.e. $1,500 x 50%).
FBT Calculation
FBT = ($1,500 - $750) x 2.0647 x 46.5%
FBT = $720.06
Cost to Salary Package
Package cost = $1,500 + $720.06
Package cost = $2,220.06
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 39 of 48
Calculating the Net
Benefit to the
Employee
The remote area
and the point of hire
are the same –
taxable value is
reduced by 50%
Assumptions
Point of hire is Mudgee
Employee lives and works in the remote area of Mudgee
Employee travels from Mudgee to Melbourne
The costs incurred are:
Airfares $500
Meals $150
Accommodation $0
TOTAL $650
FBT Calculation
FBT = ($650 x 50%) x 2.0647 x 46.5%
FBT = $312.01
Cost to Salary Package
Package cost = $650 + $312.01
Package cost = $962.01
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 40 of 48
Appendix 9: IN HOUSE CHILDCARE EXPENSES
DESCRIPTION An employee may salary package the cost of child care expenses incurred
at Cape Kids Childcare Centre in respect to the provision of the child care
facility located at Weipa.
What is Allowable The fees charged by the provider to the employee in relation to the provision
of the care.
Taxation Issues In-house child care expenses are not reported on the employee’s payment summary as a fringe benefit.
Goods and Services Tax does not apply to in-house child care expenses.
Fringe Benefits Tax does not apply.
Input tax credits are not available.
Substantiation Direct payment to the in-house child care provider. Setup as a regular benefit.
Employee Declaration
Not required
Form of Payment Direct payment to the in-house child care provider, Rio Tinto Alcan. Set up as a regular benefit.
Reimbursements are not permitted in respect of the in-house child care.
Package Cost Cost of the in-house child care fees provided by the Child Care Centre only.
Additional Information
Not applicable.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 41 of 48
Appendix 10: IN HOUSE GYM
DESCRIPTION An employee may salary package the cost of Fees for the gymnasium
facilities on site at the Weipa Fitness Centre at Weipa
What is Allowable The cost of the membership fee only. No other items may be salary packaged in
relation to this benefit.
Taxation Issues Exempt fringe benefits are not reported on the employee’s payment
summary (group certificate).
Substantiation An employee must submit the original tax invoice and original receipt for
reimbursement of expenses incurred by the employee in relation to this
benefit item.
Employee Declaration
Not required
Form of Payment Reimbursement to employee where original receipt(s)/tax invoice(s) have
been forwarded to Maxxia.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 42 of 48
Appendix 11: AIRPORT LOUNGE MEMBERSHIP
DESCRIPTION An employee may salary package the cost of airport lounge membership.
What is Allowed? The cost of the membership.
Taxation Issues Airport lounge membership is exempt from FBT and is not reported on the employee’s payment summary as a fringe benefit.
Goods and Services Tax applies to airport lounge membership.
Input Tax Credits are available.
Fringe Benefits Tax does not apply.
Substantiation Original receipt/tax invoice must be submitted when seeking reimbursement of the membership fees.
Original invoice must be submitted where an employee is seeking a direct payment for the membership fees.
Employee Declaration
Not required.
Form of Payment Reimbursement to employee where the original receipt/tax invoice and a completed claim form has been forwarded to Maxxia.
Direct payment to the third party where the employee submits the original account.
Package Cost Cost of the airport lounge membership.
Additional Information
Where input tax credits (i.e. a refund of GST) are available, a tax invoice must be submitted with the claim form.
If a complying tax invoice is not provided, input tax credits will not be processed by Maxxia.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 43 of 48
Appendix 12: FINANCIAL COUNSELLING FEES
DESCRIPTION A staff member may salary package the cost of the provision of salary
packaging advice from a financial adviser, or accountant.
What is Allowed? The professional fees charged by the adviser or accountant to the employee in relation to the provision of the advice.
Taxation Issues Financial counselling fees are “otherwise deductible” and are not reported on the employee’s payment summary as a fringe benefit.
Goods and Services Tax applies to financial counselling fees.
Input Tax Credits are available.
Fringe Benefits Tax does not apply.
Substantiation Submit the original receipt/tax invoice and a claim for reimbursement of expense incurred.
Employee Declaration
A completed ‘Expense Payment Fringe Benefit Declaration’ must be submitted to Maxxia on each occasion that a reimbursement claim is made.
Form of Payment Reimbursement to staff where the original receipt/tax invoice and a completed claim form has been forwarded to Maxxia.
Package Cost Cost of the professional fees.
Additional Information
Where input tax credits are available, a tax invoice must be submitted with the claim form.
If a complying tax invoice is not provided, input tax credits will not be processed by Maxxia.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 44 of 48
Appendix 13: ELIGIBLE WORK RELATED ITEM – TOOLS OF TRADE
DESCRIPTION An employee may salary package the cost of tools of trade. Tools of trade
are those used by the employee in the normal course of their employment
and are eligible for an income tax deduction.
Only operational-based employees working in Dampier, Lake MacLeod or
Port Hedland are eligible to package this benefit.
What is Allowed? The tool(s) of trade must be used primarily in the course of performing employment related duties.
Tools of trade may include manually operated or electrically powered hand tools.
Toolboxes and tool belts may be included.
Major equipment, such as a lathe or drill press, does not qualify under this benefit item.
The employee is not entitled to claim a tax deduction for tools of trade that is included in their salary package.
Taxation Issues Goods and Services Tax applies to tools of trade.
Input Tax Credits are available.
Tools of trade are exempt from FBT and are not reported on the employee’s payment summary as a fringe benefit.
FBT does not apply.
Substantiation Original receipts/tax invoices must be submitted when seeking reimbursement of expenses.
Purchase documents must be submitted that indicate the make and type of tool.
Employee Declaration
The employee must complete the ‘Salary Packaging Claim Form for Work
Related Items’.
Form of Payment Reimbursement to employee where the original receipt/tax invoice and a completed claim form has been submitted to Maxxia.
Package Cost Cost of the tools of trade.
Additional Information
Where input tax credits (i.e. a refund of GST) are available, a tax invoice must be submitted with the claim form.
If a complying tax invoice is not provided, input tax credits will not be processed by Maxxia.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 45 of 48
Appendix 14: SELF FUNDED FLIGHTS - FLY IN FLY OUT (FIFO) ARRANGE-MENTS
DESCRIPTION An employee may salary package the cost of self funded airfares in
respect of travel between their usual place of employment and their usual
place of residence under a fly-in fly-out arrangement.
What is Allowed? The cost of the self funded airfares for the employee in relation to travel between their usual place of employment and usual place of residence
Only self funded airfaires for the employee are eligible for FIFO
What’s not Allowed The cost of airfares not in relation to the employee
Holiday travel
Travel that is not in relation to the employee returning to their usual place of employment or usual place of residence
Taxation Issues To qualify for the exemption the following conditions must be satisfied:
The employee’s usual place of employment is in a remote area
The employee is required to return to their usual place of residence on days off work
The employee is provided with transport between their usual place of employment and usual place of residence
The Goods and Services Tax applies to FIFO expenses
Fringe Benefits Tax does not apply
Substantiation Tax Invoice to be supplied by AMEX for direct payment.
Form of Payment Direct payment to the third party provider. Reimbursements are not allowed.
Package Cost Cost of the travel
Additional Information
A tax invoice must be submitted by the third party for payment
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 46 of 48
Appendix 15: FLY-IN FLY-OUT (FIFO) CAR PARKING
DESCRIPTION An employee may salary package the cost of parking their car at the airport
when they are undertaking travel under a fly-in fly-out arrangement .
What is Allowed? The cost of car parking at the airport when the employee flies to a designated
remote area under a FIFO arrangement.
Taxation Issues The Goods and Services Tax applies to FIFO car parking expenses.
Fringe Benefits Tax does not apply and is an exempt benefit under section 58G of the FBT Act.
FIFO car parking expenses is not a reportable fringe benefit.
Substantiation Submit the original tax invoice for the FIFO car parking expense and a copy of the
FIFO roster to substantiate that the expense was incurred when the employee was
is a remote area under a FIFO arrangement.
Employee
Declaration
Not applicable.
Form of Payment Reimbursement to the employee’s nominated bank account.
Package Cost Cost of the FIFO car parking.
Additional
Information
A tax invoice and FIFO roster must be submitted with the completed claim form.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 47 of 48
Appendix 16: RELOCATION EXPENSES (DOMESTIC)
DESCRIPTION An employee may salary package the cost of relocation expenses incurred in
moving the employee and family members from one locality to another for
employment purposes.
What is Allowed? Relocation travel costs, including meals and accommodation en route, of the employee and family members.
The cost of removal of furniture and personal effects, including insurance and storage.
The costs of temporary accommodation, both at the old locality and the new locality.
The cost of leasing furniture for the temporary accommodation.
The cost of connecting telephone, electricity or gas services to the temporary accommodation.
Necessary meal costs at a hotel, motel or restaurant (in excess of $2 per meal per adult or $1 per child under 12 years).
Advances to cover such items as a rental bond or electricity or gas deposits, provided the advance is repayable within one year.
Home sale and purchase costs, including stamp duty, legal fees and estate agent’s commission.
Taxation Issues The cost of relocation expenses are not reported on the employee’s payment summary as a fringe benefit.
The Goods and Services Tax applies to relocation costs where incurred within Australia.
Input Tax Credits are available.
Fringe Benefits Tax does not apply to relocation expenses.
Substantiation Submit the original receipt/invoice for reimbursement of the expense incurred by the employee.
The receipt must provide the following details:
– Date of payment
– Amount of payment
Employee
Declaration
Not required.
Form of Payment Reimbursement to the employee where the original receipt/tax invoice and a completed claim form is submitted to Maxxia.
Package Cost Cost of the relocation expenses.
Employee Information Guide | Salary Packaging | Rio Tinto April 2018– Maxxia Pty Ltd Page 48 of 48
Additional
Information
Where input tax credits (i.e. a refund of GST) are available, a tax invoice must be submitted with the claim form.
If a complying tax invoice is not provided, input tax credits will not be processed by Maxxia.
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