Introduction

The provision of a club membership by an employer to an employee almost always gives rise to a taxable benefit. How the membership is paid determines the tax and NIC treatment. The rare circumstance in which there is no taxable benefit is highlighted below.

Club subscriptions

As there is almost always some element of personal benefit to the employee of a club membership or subscription, it almost always gives rise to a taxable benefit. The cost of the membership fees is the amount subject to tax and NIC.

For example, if an employer pays for a golf club’s green fees for a member of staff, the individual can use the club for their own leisure purposes in addition to any business-related use (eg client entertainment).

How the amount is paid or reimbursed has an impact on the tax and reporting requirements, which are outlined below.

HMRC guidance is at EIM21696.