meal allowance

katiepatie

hello and thanks for reading, am new to this and confused, my OH pays higher rate tax on his earning but £59 per day is meal allowance, should he be paying higher rate tax on this amount? he's asked work mates but everyone seems a bit cagey! some of them don't pay UK tax because their non UK residents most of the year.
thanks in advance
Katie

Andy_L

Depends why he's receiving it.
If he works at one site continously then it is taxable, if he only receives it when he's travelling about the country then it's non-taxable, assuming the rate is "reasonable" for a days food - I'd suggest that £59 could be considered over-generous so some of it could be taxable

katiepatie

thanks Andy L, he works in Africa (Congo) and £59 (before higher rate tax) doesn't cover a days food expenses in a hotel, guess with it being a rotation, 4 weeks Congo 4 weeks home its taxable, i think his employer might hear from him soon.... thanks again.
Katie

katiepatie

thanks Andy L, he works in Africa (Congo) and £59 (before higher rate tax) doesn't cover a days food expenses in a hotel, guess with it being a rotation, 4 weeks Congo 4 weeks home its taxable, i think his employer might hear from him soon.... thanks again.
Katie

TM1976

The employer should approve the allowance with HMR&C.

If he can prove the cost is more that he receives he can claim tax relief on the difference.