Do I need to declare benefits in kind on my tax return?

Benefits in kind are non-cash perks you get from your employer, like a company car, private medical cover, or even an interest-free loan. They might not appear on your payslip, but they can still affect how much tax you owe.

If you’re filing a tax return and have received any of these, it’s important to know whether you need to declare them. That’s where the P11D form comes in.

Here’s how it works, and what you need to do 👇

What are benefits in kind?

Benefits in kind are non-cash perks or advantages your employer provides on top of your salary. These are things, like:

These are all considered taxable benefits, and if they weren’t taxed through your payslip, you’ll likely need to declare them on your Self Assessment.

What is a P11D and why does it matter?

The P11D form is what your employer uses to report your benefits in kind to HMRC each year. It’s a summary of everything you received that could affect your tax bill.

• Your employer files the P11D form with HMRC by 6 July after the tax year ends
• You should receive a copy if you were given any taxable benefits not handled through PAYE
• You’ll use your P11D form to fill in your tax return accurately

So even though your employer files the P11D form, you’re responsible for declaring those benefits if you’re completing a tax return.

How can I get my P11D form? 

If your P11D hasn’t landed in your inbox or postbox, here’s what to do:

• Ask your employer, HR or payroll team
• Check whether your benefits were taxed through your salary; if they were, you won’t get a P11D
• If you’ve left the company, request a copy by email or post ✉️

Still can’t find it? You can ask HMRC directly. And once you’ve got it, keep it in a safe place. You’ll need it for your return.

Do I need to declare benefits in kind?

Not everyone needs to declare benefits in kind, but if you’re filing a tax return, it depends on a few things working together. Ask yourself:

If the answer is yes to all of the above, then you’ll need to declare your benefits in kind on your tax return.

Even if you’re not 100% sure, it’s worth double-checking with your employer or scanning your payslips. 🧐 It’s an easy way to avoid underpaying tax without realising.

How to check if you have benefits in kind to declare

Not sure what’s been reported or if anything applies to you? Here’s how to find out:

1. Ask your employer – have they submitted a P11D for you? If so, they should give you a copy 📄
2. Check your payslips – if the benefits were taxed through your salary (a.k.a through payroll), they might not appear on a P11D, but you still need to be clear on what was included 
3. Left the company? Your former employer still has to give you your P11D if you received any taxable benefits while you were there
4. Still unsure? You can always contact HMRC to check if a P11D has been filed in your name ☎️
   

How to declare benefits in kind on your tax return 

When you get to the ‘Employment’ section of your tax return, you’ll be asked:

1. Did you receive any benefits in kind?
2. What kind?
3. Have they already been taxed through PAYE?

Your P11D breaks it all down by category. The fields usually match up with what HMRC asks for, but it’s still on you to make sure it’s right. ✅

Filing with TaxScouts? 

Good call. 👏 We make the P11D part of your tax return a breeze, as long as you don’t forget to upload it. 

When you submit your documents, just make sure to attach your P11D form so we can include your taxable benefits in your return. 

Once it’s uploaded, you’re done. 

Recap

Benefits in kind, like a company car or private medical insurance, might not seem like income, but they can still count towards your tax bill.

If you’re doing a Self Assessment and received taxable benefits that weren’t already taxed through your salary, you’ll usually need to declare them. That’s where your P11D form comes in; it tells you (and HMRC) what you need to report.

Not sure what to include or how to declare it? We can help. Just upload your P11D when prompted, and we’ll make sure everything’s sorted. 💪