EIM23140 - Car benefit: accessories: introduction

Section 121, (step 2) and Sections 125 to 131 ITEPA 2003

Before reading the guidance that follows this paragraph, ensure that you are familiar with:

  • the method statement in Section 121(1) ITEPA 2003, see EIM23101 (this page concerns step 2)
  • the general introduction at EIM23110.

Accessories

The list price of the car ascertained at step 1 of Section 121(1) is the price for a car with only standard accessories, see EIM23142. All other, non-standard, accessories are dealt with at step 2. The precise treatment depends on when the accessory was fitted, its price and whether it is a qualifying accessory (see EIM23141). If it is a qualifying accessory, the treatment depends on whether it is an initial extra accessory or a later accessory, see EIM23143.

The rules are quite complex and are summarised below.

Cars with a list price only:

  • initial extra accessories with a list price published by the manufacturer, distributor or importer of the car: add these, whether or not they are available with the car in the tax year in question, see EIM23150
  • initial extra accessories with a list price published by the manufacturer, distributor or importer of the accessory: add these if they remain available with the car at any time in the tax year in question, see EIM23151
  • initial extra accessories for which a notional price must be used (i.e. for which there is no list price of either kind): add these if they remain available with the car at any time in the tax year in question, see EIM23152.

All cars (whether with a list price or notional price):

  • later accessories: add those available at any time in the tax year in question that were not available with the car before 1 August 1993 and have a price of at least £100, Section 126(3) ITEPA 2003, see EIM23160
  • replacement accessories: adjust as required at EIM23170 onwards.

Example

See EIM23210 for an example of how accessories are taken into account.