FBT return time is here 

The fringe benefits tax (FBT) year ends on 31 March 2026. If your business provides non-cash benefits to employees or their associates, you may have an FBT obligation for the year. 

What counts as a fringe benefit? 

Common examples include: 

• Cars made available for private use 

• Car parking 

• Entertainment (meals, events, recreational activities) 

• Expense payments (gym memberships, school fees, private health insurance) 

• Low-interest or interest-free loans 

What you need to do now 

To prepare your FBT return, gather the following before we get started: 

• Logbooks and odometer records for any cars provided to employees 

• Details of any entertainment expenses paid during the year (including who attended and the occasion) 

• Records of any other benefits provided to employees or their family members 

• Declarations from employees where required  

Key dates 

The FBT return for the year ending 31 March 2026 is due 21 May 2026 if you lodge yourself, or 25 June 2026 if we lodge on your behalf. 

Tip: Not everything attracts FBT. Common exempt benefits include: 

• Cars with no or extremely limited private use (e.g. Ute or Van) 

• Minor and infrequent benefits valued under $300 per employee per occasion 

• Gift cards valued under $300 per employee (including GST and transaction fees) 

• Light meals and refreshments consumed on business premises during work hours (e.g. pizza to celebrate a promotion, birthday cake, pastries for staff) 

• Meals and drinks consumed by employees while travelling for work (e.g. a Brisbane-based employee dining in Sydney while attending a conference) 

If you think FBT may apply to your business, reach out to your Inspire accountant now so we have enough time to gather what we need before the lodgement deadline.