The Act of 6 December 2015 contained the following adjustments with respect to ‘meal vouchers’ and ‘non-recurrent collective bonuses’, applicable as from 1 January 2016;
- The maximum basic tax-free amount (i.e. after deduction of the 13.07% employee’s contribution) for non-recurring collective bonuses has been increased from EUR 2.695,00 to EUR 2.755,00 (per year). This amount was however subject to indexation. The indexed tax-free amount for income year 2016 is EUR 2.798,00. Consequently, from January 2016, a gross annual bonus amount of EUR 3.219,00 can be attributed per employee.
- The maximum amount of employer’s contribution for meal vouchers has been increased from EUR 5.91 to EUR 6.91. Taking into account a minimum employee’s contribution of EUR 1.09, the maximum value of a meal voucher is EUR 8.00 as from 1 January 2016. The portion of the employer’s contribution that is deductible for income tax purposes (in the hands of the employer) has been increased from EUR 1.00 to EUR 2.00.
