EIM26142 - The benefits code: beneficial loans: exemptions from charge: small loans: example
Section 180(1) ITEPA 2003
This example shows how the exemption for small loans (where the total balance on all loans does not exceed £5,000, see EIM26140) applies. An employee had three interest-free loans from his employer as follows:
Purpose
|
Maximum balance outstanding
|
To pay for home improvements |
£2,000 |
To pay for a holiday |
£2,000 |
To buy his season ticket |
£1,000 |
Total |
£5,000 |
Since the maximum total balance in the year is not more than £5,000 no tax is chargeable under Section 175(1) ITEPA 2003.
Note that if at some time in the year the balances were:
Home improvements loan |
£2,100 |
Holiday loan |
£1,950 |
Season ticket loan |
£975 |
Total |
£5,025 |
exemption under Section 180(1) ITEPA 2003 would not be due because the total balance has exceeded £5,000. See EIM26145 where the total balance exceeds £5,000, but the total of non-qualifying loans (see EIM26137) does not.

