Commentary on Sections Example 3 £150(Pe) – £50(E) = £100 Section 239: Payments and benefits connected with taxable cars and vans and exempt heavy goods vehicles
975.When an employee is chargeable to tax under the provisions in Chapter 6 of Part 3 in respect of a car or van that charge is intended to cover all the expenses in connection with the vehicle, other than the provision of a driver and, in relation to a car, of fuel. Subsections (1), (2) and (4) of this section provide various exemptions from tax. They derive from sections 157(3) and 159AA(3) of ICTA.Subsection (3) preserves the charge for car fuel.
976.If a heavy goods vehicle, which is not used wholly or mainly for private use, is exempted from the Chapter 6 of Part 3 charge by section 238 it is also exempt in respect of expenses connected with it. This rule derives from section 159AC(3) of ICTA.
977.As exemptions for all types of vehicle are expressed in the same terms in ICTA, they have been brought together in this section as a single exemption. Furthermore, the exemptions have been widened so that they now apply however the liability may arise. See Change 42 in Annex 1. The use of “taxable” car or van, and “exempt” heavy goods vehicle are labels to assist in identifying the basis on which the exemption is due.
978.In the source legislation, the exemption for the discharge of liability and certain expense payments in connection with an exempt heavy goods vehicle only applies in a case where there would otherwise have been a charge to tax under Chapter II of Part V of ICTA – applicable only to employees earning £8,500 or more and directors. In subsection (8), the exemption has been extended to employees in “excluded employment”. See Change 43 in Annex 1.