Laptop Computers & Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
There have been changes concerning the FBT treatment of Laptops and salary packaging announced in the 2008/09 Federal Budget.
Please refer to: http://www.budget.gov.au/2008-09/content/bp2/html/revenue-07.htm
This states that:
The Government will tighten the current fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption for certain work-related items (including laptop computers, personal digital assistants and tools of trade) by ensuring the exemption only applies where these items are used primarily for work purposes. The FBT exemption will generally be limited to one item of each type per employee per year. The measure will apply to items purchased after 7.30 pm (AEST) on 13 May 2008. The measure reduces the FBT concession and tax expenditure for work-related items.
The University of Melbourne will allow for salary packaging of Laptop Computers or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), provided that these items will primarily be used for work purposes.
In order to ensure that the University is consistently working within the legislative requirements, the following must be adhered to:
- For Academic Staff, the application for salary packaging must be endorsed by the Head of Department and Dean of Faculty; or
- For Professional Staff, the application for salary packaging must be endorsed by the Head of Department and Head of Division