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​New FBT rates for the 2018/19 FBT year

The ATO has released Taxation Determinations setting out the following rates for the FBT year commencing on 1 April 2018.

FBT: Benchmark interest rate
The benchmark interest rate for the 2018/19 FBT year is 5.20% p.a., which is used to calculate the taxable value of:
- A  loan fringe benefit
- A car fringe benefit where an employer chooses to value the benefit using the operating cost method.
Example
On 1 April 2018, an employer lends an employee $50,000 for five years at an interest rate of 5% p.a., with interest being charged and paid 6 monthly, and no principal repaid until the end of the loan. The actual interest payable by the employee for the current year is $2,500 ($50,000 × 5%). The notional interest, with a 5.20% benchmark rate, is $2,600. Therefore, the taxable value of the loan fringe benefit is $100 (i.e., $2,600 – $2,500).

FBT: Cents per kilometre basis
The rates to be applied where the cents per kilometre basis is used for the 2018/19 FBT year in respect of the private use of a vehicle ( other than a car) are: