Electric Vehicle Benefit in Kind Tax (BIK)

When you receive an electric vehicle as a company car for business use, there are certain BIK exemptions and discounts available.

Maximising Benefits: Understanding BIK for Electric Vehicles in Ireland

Did you know that the updated Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) exemptions and discounts for electric vehicles (EVs) can be advantageous for both your business and your employees? Here's how the latest changes impact company cars and why choosing an electric vehicle is even more compelling.

What is Benefit-in-Kind (BIK)?

A Benefit-in-Kind is any non-cash benefit of monetary value that an employer provides to an employee. Often referred to as notional pay, fringe benefits, or perks, these benefits hold monetary value and are considered taxable income (Revenue.ie).

How Can Understanding BIK Tax Benefit Your Business?

Employers are required to deduct PAYE (Pay As You Earn), PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance), and USC (Universal Social Charge) from employees' pay based on the value of these benefits. Traditionally, company vehicles could incur a significant BIK tax, up to 37.5% for high-emission vehicles. However, recent changes in Irish tax policy offer substantial savings for electric vehicles provided as company cars.

Current BIK Relief for Electric Vehicles:

For the tax years 2023 and 2024, a temporary relief allows an Original Market Value (OMV) reduction of €35,000 for electric vehicles when calculating BIK. This gradually reduces in subsequent years:

  • 2025: €20,000 OMV reduction.
  • 2026: €10,000 OMV reduction.
  • 2027 onwards: Standard BIK rates apply, with no reduction.

This relief ensures a reduced or zero BIK impact for many EVs, offering substantial tax savings for employers.

Top 5 Benefits of Providing an EV as a Company Car:
  1. Reduced Employer PRSI: Employers can provide EVs to employees with reduced or no PRSI impact on BIK.
  2. Lower Employee Deductions: Employees can experience reduced or no net pay deductions when provided with an EV as a company car.
  3. Free Fuel with No Extra Tax: Employees can benefit from “free fuel” through company-owned charge points. Charging an EV at the workplace does not count as a taxable benefit.
  4. No BIK for Charging at Work: Whether company-owned or personal, charging an EV at the workplace does not attract BIK.
  5. OMV Cap and Eligibility: The full €35,000 OMV reduction applies for 2023 and 2024. However, this does not apply to hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, only fully electric models.

The BIK relief for EVs offers a clear path to cost-saving and a cleaner environment, benefiting both businesses and employees alike.

For More Information:

If you're considering an EV as a company car or want to understand how BIK exemptions could benefit your business, feel free to contact us for more insights and assistance.

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