Commentary on Sections Example 3 £150(Pe) – £50(E) = £100 Section 240: Incidental overnight expenses and benefits
979.This section sets out the exemption for incidental overnight expenses. In so far as it relates to earnings and as expenses it derives from section 200A of ICTA. The exemption from a charge to tax under the benefits code derives from section  155(1B) of ICTA.
980.In the source legislation, sums paid by way of incidental overnight expenses are not eligible for the exemption in if the employee is already allowed a deduction under one of the provisions listed in section 200A(1)(b) of ICTA. That list includes all the provisions under which a deduction may be available. However, the approach in ICTA of listing all the references is long-winded and not necessarily easy to follow. It is simpler to say in subsections (1)(c) and (2)(b) “would not be deductible under Part 5”. This substitution of a general reference is analysed in Change 44 in Annex 1.
981.In subsection (1)(b) a new label of “the overnight stay conditions” has been used to describe the conditions which have to be satisfied in identifying a “qualifying period”. Those conditions are explained in subsection (4).
982.Subsection (2) exempts the charge on benefits under Chapter 10 of Part 3 where relief for the cost of the benefit could not be obtained under section 365, if the employee had paid for it. Subsection (2) derives from section 155(1B) of ICTA.
983.In setting out the condition about deductibility of travelling costs, section 200A(3)(b)(i) of ICTA contains a list of deduction provisions which are regarded as satisfying the test. In line with the simplification above, subsection (5)  replaces this list and instead refers to expenses “deductible under Part 5 (otherwise than under any of the excepted foreign travel provisions)”. The “excepted foreign travel provisions” are listed in subsection (7).