Perquisites
Perquisites, commonly called 'perks,' are benefits or amenities provided by an employer to an employee in addition to salary, either in cash or kind, as defined under Section 17(2) of the Income Tax Act. Common examples include rent-free or concessional accommodation, company cars for personal use, interest-free or concessional loans, and employer-paid club memberships.
Most perquisites are taxable as part of salary income and are valued as per specific rules prescribed in the Income Tax Rules, though some are tax-exempt within limits, such as employer contributions to a recognised provident fund up to prescribed limits or medical insurance premiums paid by the employer.
Key points
- ✓ Defined under Section 17(2) of the Income Tax Act as non-cash or cash benefits beyond salary
- ✓ Common examples: rent-free accommodation, company car, concessional loans, ESOPs
- ✓ Valuation of each perquisite type follows specific Income Tax Rules (Rule 3)
- ✓ Some perquisites are tax-exempt within limits, others are fully taxable
- ✓ Employers must report perquisite value in Form 12BA along with Form 16
Example
If a company provides an employee with rent-free accommodation in a city with a population above 40 lakh, the perquisite value is typically taxed at 10% of the employee's salary for that period, added to their taxable income.
Frequently asked questions
Are all perquisites taxable?
What is Form 12BA?
Are ESOPs treated as perquisites?
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