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What Is A Benefit In Kind
- Jody Pearmain
- April 6, 2023

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What Is A Benefit In Kind
A benefit in kind (BIK) is a form of remuneration provided to employees by employers, which is not in the form of cash but takes the form of goods or services. BIK represents an important part of an employee’s remuneration package and is subject to certain tax rules and regulations.
This article will discuss what constitutes a BIK, how it is taxed, and how employers might use it as part of their reward strategy.
BIKs are usually provided by employers as noncash benefits such as company cars, private medical insurance or gym membership. These are considered taxable income and must be reported to the relevant tax authorities. The amount that employers need to report depends on the value of the goods or services they provide, which can be determined using several methods including market value or cost-plus pricing.
Employers should also consider any applicable exemptions when calculating their liability for BIKs.
Are Employee Benefits A P11d Or Taxable Benefit In Kind?
What Is A P11d?
How Is Group Life Insurance Taxed? Is It A P11d Benefit?
Group life insurance is a form of life insurance that is provided to an entire group of people, usually employees within a company. It can provide financial security and protection in the event of death or disablement due to illness or accident.
Generally, the employer pays all or part of the premium for this type of insurance and it is treated as a benefit in kind. As such, the premiums paid by the employer are subject to tax and must be reported on a P11D form. The employee will then need to include this amount on their tax return.
Depending on the type of policy, any benefits received may also be taxable. It is important for employers and employees alike to understand how group life insurance policies are taxed so they can plan accordingly.
Is Group Income Protection A P11d?
Group income protection, however, is usually not subject to a tax charge, and so it does not need to be reported on a P11D form. This type of policy pays out if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury and can offer financial security when they are unable to generate an income from employment. It also covers additional costs such as medical expenses which may be incurred as a result of being off work for an extended period of time. An employer can choose to pay for the cost of the policy for their employee in addition to their salary, which would then be classed as a benefit in kind. However, this benefit will only be taxable if it has a cash equivalent value of over £500 per annum.
Is Group Critical Illness Insurance A Benefit In Kind?
Conclusion
Information regards to taxation levels and the basis of reliefs are dependent on current legislation. Individual circumstances are not guaranteed and may be subject to change. The Financial Conduct Authority do not regulate trusts.
Jody Pearmain
Jody is the Managing Director and founder of My Key Finance Ltd. He has over 22 years of experience as a mortgage & protection adviser. He is an authority within the UK business protection market & specialises in key man insurance, relevant life cover and shareholder protection. Jody has written articles for Business Matters, Business Directory and has been featured in Forbes. He is Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is CeMAP qualified.

As editor and author of our blog, Jody hopes to educate and advise people with more in-depth information & guidance on life insurance and business protection.
Jody & his wife Lori featured in the BBC programme “The House £100k Built” He is also a keen Arsenal fan and loves nothing more than watching his son & nephews play football at the weekend.