Seeking Clarity on Sodexo Tax Rules and Leave Policies for Chennai Office

Dear Colleagues,

I have 2 queries:

1. We distribute Sodexo in 3 categories: Rs. 2000, Rs. 3000, and Rs. 4000. Is it okay? Is it in order? Is the entire Sodexo tax-free? Can somebody please clarify?

2. If we have an office in Chennai, do we have to follow the exact leave rules mentioned in the Shops Act, or can we have our own different leave system (in terms of fixing up the number of leaves for CL, SL, and PL)?

Thanks & Regards,
V. Chithranath

1. We distribute Sodexo in 3 categories: Rs. 2000, Rs. 3000, and Rs. 4000. Is it okay? Is it in order? Is the entire Sodexo tax-free? Can somebody please clarify?

Sodexo is given as per the employee's wish. It is totally tax-free. It can be of any denomination depending on the employee's use and his tax liability.

2. If we have an office in Chennai, do we have to follow the exact leave rules mentioned in the Shops Act, or can we have our own different leave system (in terms of fixing up the number of leaves for CL, SL, and PL)?

It depends. We had offices in Delhi & Bombay, but we used to follow the same rules of leave that we had for our head office. The PL should be according to the Shops Act; the remaining depends on your company.

Hi,

1. Yes, all Sodexo Pass is tax-free as per company policy.
2. Yes, but not behind the government policy. I hope your query will be resolved.

Regards,
Sanjay

You can now get your bankers, where you hold salary accounts, to issue meal cards similar to Sodexo. It has a one-time cost and can be used as a debit card.

Cheers,
Vinit