New Fuel Advisory Rates

From 1st December 2010 HMRC has introduced new fuel advisory rates to reflect the increasing fuel prices.

The advisory fuel rates may be used for journeys undertaken on or after 1 December 2010.

According to the HMRC website:

These rates apply to all journeys on or after 1 December 2010 until further notice, allowing them to reflect fuel prices more quickly. For one month from the date of change, employers may use either the previous or new current rates, as they choose. Employers may therefore make or require supplementary payments if they so wish, but are under no obligation to do either.

Other points to be aware of about the advisory fuel rates:

• Employers do not need a dispensation to use these rates.
• Employees driving employer provided cars are not entitled to use these rates to claim tax relief if employers reimburse them at lower rates. Such claims should be based on the actual costs incurred.
• The advisory rates are not binding where an employer can demonstrate that the cost of business travel in employer provided cars is higher than the guideline mileage rates. The higher cost would need to be agreed with HMRC under a dispensation.

If you would like to discuss your car policy, please contact us.

Internet link: HMRC advisory fuel rates

About the Author

Mark Higham

Is the Managing Partner at Numero Accountancy LLP and an ACCA qualified accountant. Having spent time working in large Plc's and Private Limited Companies in Senior Finance roles Mark start his own practice in 2005. In this time Mark has been a finalist in Doncaster Chambers Entrepreneur Year and Numero have been finalists in the Rotherham Chamber New Business Start-Up and Most Innovative Use of Technology Awards.

Posted on 6th February, 2011