SE21685 - Benefits: car parking

Section 155(1A) ICTA 1988

There is no tax charge on a director or employee within Part V Chapter II ICTA 1988 on the provision of a car or motorcycle parking space at or near his place of work. Facilities for parking bicycles are also exempt.

The words 'at or near' are not defined in the Act. A rigid approach is not required. Apply the exemption in any case where parking facilities can be said to be within a reasonable distance from the place of work having regard to the nature of the locality. Do not deny the exemption simply because there is a car park nearer to the place of work.

The Transport Act 2000 allows local authorities to levy a charge on employers for workplace parking provided to employees. Where local authorities do so the employee will not be chargeable to tax on the cost of the car parking because of the exemption in Section 155(1A).

If you come across a case where you think the exemption should not apply, report the facts to Employment Income Technical before you assess or code out a benefit.

As regards the payment of expenses in respect of workplace parking facilities see SE01030. Where vouchers or credit-tokens are used see SE16100.