Local Bike Shop to install new groupset

zero_trooper wrote:

I thought that was the old definition Sniffer. Maybe Cyclescheme are pushing the 'common sense' tax boundaries. I'm sure that the local tax inspector would love a telephone call to discuss the merits of 105 over Tiagra

It might be old, but I copied it from the website today.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycle-to-work-scheme-implemen...

It seemed a better source than the companies that make commision on the sales.

To be honest I don't object to the rules being applied liberally, but the area semed more nuanced than some of the posters were making out.

Sniffer wrote:

zero_trooper wrote:

I thought that was the old definition Sniffer. Maybe Cyclescheme are pushing the 'common sense' tax boundaries. I'm sure that the local tax inspector would love a telephone call to discuss the merits of 105 over Tiagra

It might be old, but I copied it from the website today.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycle-to-work-scheme-implemen...

It seemed a better source than the companies that make commision on the sales.

To be honest I don't object to the rules being applied liberally, but the area semed more nuanced than some of the posters were making out.

I agree, I’d rather use the government guidelines than the companies benefitting from from people using their vouchers. 

zero_trooper wrote:

..... I'm sure that the local tax inspector would love a telephone call to discuss the merits of 105 over Tiagra

How times have changed.

A query about golf club membership as a business entertainment expense would have been the preferred way of whiling away an afternoon for the Revenue man not so long ago.

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

Categorically incorrect. The cycle to work scheme can be used for bikes, clothing, accessories or components.

Htc wrote:

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

 

Categorically incorrect. The cycle to work scheme can be used for bikes, clothing, accessories or components.

Best to go the source.  Cut and paste from the government website advice to employers

2) What equipment is included under the tax exemption?

Eligible equipment includes cycles and cyclists' safety equipment. The tax exemption defines a "cycle" as 'a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case a motor vehicle' (192(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52)). An electrically assisted pedal cycle can be included under the scheme.

Cyclists' safety equipment is not similarly defined in the legislation and a common sense approach should be taken to the equipment provided. This could include:

Cycle helmets which conform to European standard EN 1078
Bells and bulb horns
Lights, including dynamo packs
Mirrors and mudguards to ensure riders visibility is not impaired
Cycle clips and dress guards
Panniers, luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried
Child safety seats
Locks and chains to ensure cycle can be safely secured
Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant to allow for minor repairs
Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors

It is the employer's choice what safety equipment is offered, but you may wish to confirm with your local tax inspector whether the equipment you provide falls within the tax exemption.

If I was an employer I would struggle to defend thw purchase of a groupset.

Htc wrote:

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

 

Categorically incorrect. The cycle to work scheme can be used for bikes, clothing, accessories or components.

I would have agreed with the Gavalier, however things seem more relaxed these days....and murkier.

https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/round-ups/round-up-what-can-i-bu...

'Drivetrain components' are on the permissible list, I suspect that labour/fitting charges won't be.

Strangely enough I knew someone who lost their job over 'fiddling' the C2W scheme. Bought a frame only, but for C2W purposes described it as a 'bike'. Following year bought suspension forks, described as a 'bike'. Was later challenged about it and botched a cover up. So maybe sacked for fiddling the system or more likely for lying to cover it up.

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

I did wonder why my LBS invoices were sent from Luxembourg and its registered office was in the Caymans.