FBT 2026 – Utes are Beaut, until the ATO come calling!

Dual Cab Utes are exempt from FBT! WRONG! 

One Tonne Plus Utes are exempt from FBT! WRONG! 

All Utes are subject to FBT, unless proven otherwise! CORRECT!

Utes are probably number one when it comes to misunderstanding the FBT implications.

Accountants and Business Owners keep holding on to the long-held myths that Utes are exempt from FBT.

Why? The common myths include:

• “but it’s a Tool of Trade vehicle”
• “it’s a Workhorse vehicle”
• “it’s 100% Work Related” or
• “it’s required / necessary for work”

And not forgetting, we’ve never paid FBT on Utes (or lodged a FBT Return) so why should we start now!

In this session Paul Mather will analyse the FBT rules on Utes, and in particular the strict requirements for claiming exemption. It’s not, and has never been a given, that Utes are exempt from FBT.

Paul will illustrate the significant tax implications on various Ute types with real life and ATO case studies and calculations.

Learning Outcomes:

Key learning outcomes include:

• Understand the FBT rules on Utes from 1986
• Explain the ATO guidance on claiming exemption released in 2018
• Consider the FBT implications on various Utes including:

• Under 1 tonne
• Under 1 tonne primarily designed to carry passengers
• 1 tonne plus Utes

• The FBT valuation methods and when they are available, including:

• Statutory Formula Method
• Operating Cost Method
• Cents per Kilometre Method

• Understand the definition and limits with private use
• How to assess “extensive business use”
• Share numerous FBT audit scenarios, why these occurred and the outcomes
• How to manage FBT on Utes from a Policy and Remuneration perspective
• Strategies for minimising FBT on Utes
• The rules and records required for claiming the Pooled or Shared Car Utes exclusion
• The reportable fringe benefit impact

Suited to:

This session is suited to Accounting Firms and all Employers including Corporates, SME’s, Charities, Not for Profits and Local, State and Federal Government.

Suitable for everyone involved in FBT Management and Reporting, from FBT Return preparers and reviewers, including Accountants, Tax Accountants, Financial Accountants, Finance Managers, Payroll Managers, Salary Packaging Managers, Tax Agents, Tax Practitioners and their teams.

This On Demand recording Includes: 

• Recording of the Live Webinar, which can be viewed multiple times, for as long as required 
• Presenters contact details for follow up questions 
• CPD Quiz
• CPD Certificate 
• CPD Report – Logged automatically 
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Verbatim Transcript, with Searchability
• Supporting Documentation