Can anyone shed some light regarding the distribution of Lunch Coupons (Sodexo) to the employees? How are they distributed? Is it based on various levels? What are the tax implications for the employer?
In my previous and present organizations, an IT company, the lunch coupons were given for the same amount irrespective of the designation/level. They were distributed along with the salary slips. The employer has to pay the service charge to the coupon-providing company, besides the tax imposed by the government on such items. For the employee, this becomes a non-taxable income - whatever the amount in the year it comes to. In my current organization, we give coupons worth Rs. 1100 per month per employee.
I understand that Sodexo lunch coupons are given to employees for tax benefits. The limit has been extended, and an employee can now take unlimited Sodexo coupons that will be tax-exempt.
My question is if a company gives Sodexo coupons quarterly, for example, providing 3 months' worth of coupons at the end of 3 months rather than every month, is that acceptable? Should the coupons be given monthly along with the payslips?
In our company, food coupons are part of our flex comp. The limit to availing food coupons is based on the fixed compensation per annum. If you fall under the category of 0 - 5,00,000, you can avail coupons up to 25,000. If you fall under the category of 5,00,000 to 10,00,000, then you can be allocated 50,000 worth of food coupons. This is then distributed every quarter on a pro-rata basis.
Currently, we have this scheme in place. We use Accor Ticket Restaurant coupons (similar to Sodexo pass). We provide coupons worth Rs. 1300/- per month (Rs. 15,600/- per year) to taxable employees, which are exempted from income tax. The government has allowed Rs. 50/- per day (26 days - Rs. 1300/-) as meal expenses exempted from income tax. These coupons cannot be encashed but can be used to purchase monthly groceries, etc., at retail outlets. While we can issue more coupons, the income tax exemption is limited to Rs. 1300/- per month.
Similarly, gift vouchers/ticket compliments are also available, which can be considered during Diwali or similar occasions.
Please tell me how I could find out the category I am falling into? Should I take the CTC into account or deduct the non-taxable components like HRA, medical reimbursement, and then take the balance?
Thank you for your response. I understand this is regarding food coupons, and in order to determine how many food coupons I am eligible for (25k or 50k), I need to know the category I belong to. That's why I asked the question.
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