Novated Lease Explained: A Comprehensive Guide

Author

Reads 4.7K

Business professionals discussing a car lease or purchase agreement in a showroom setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Business professionals discussing a car lease or purchase agreement in a showroom setting.

A novated lease is a type of car leasing arrangement that can save you money on your taxes.

It's a complex arrangement, but essentially, it involves your employer paying for your car lease, fuel, insurance, and maintenance, and then you pay them back through your pre-tax salary.

This means you don't pay tax on the benefits, which can be a significant saving. For example, if you were to receive a $1,000 benefit, you might pay around $250 in tax, but with a novated lease, you won't pay that tax.

The savings can be substantial, with some people reporting annual tax savings of up to $5,000.

What is a Novated Lease?

A novated lease is a type of lease agreement that allows employees to lease a vehicle through their employer.

It's essentially a three-way agreement between the employee, employer, and the financier. The employer is responsible for the lease payments, which are then reimbursed to them by the employee through a salary sacrifice arrangement.

A Man in Red and White Jacket Leaning on the Car while Holding Money
Credit: pexels.com, A Man in Red and White Jacket Leaning on the Car while Holding Money

The employee gets to use the vehicle for their personal and business use, and the employer gets to deduct the lease payments from their taxable income. This can result in significant tax savings for both parties.

The employee is responsible for the running costs of the vehicle, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance. The financier will typically require the employee to have comprehensive insurance coverage.

Benefits and Savings

You could save thousands in tax by driving your dream car, just like Maxxia's novated leasing can help you do.

Already own a car? Paying it off? You can get cash back for any equity you have in the car and start enjoying the benefits of novated leasing.

Novated leasing plans can be managed for you, with the paperwork and finance arrangements taken care of.

There's no shortage of benefits for your company, with employer benefits including the ability to source and negotiate a great price for your car.

Close-up of a hand handing over car keys, signifying purchase or rental.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a hand handing over car keys, signifying purchase or rental.

You could save thousands in tax, all thanks to Maxxia's novated leasing, which can source your car and arrange the finance and insurance.

Save thousands in tax by driving your dream car, and get a quick novated lease quote to see how much you could save on your car and running costs.

Types of Leasing

You can take out a novated lease on a used car, which might be a great option if you've already found a vehicle you like.

There are different types of novated leasing, including a bad credit novated lease, which can be a good choice if you've had credit issues in the past.

You can also explore a novated lease for a private sale, which might be a good option if you're looking to purchase a car from a private seller.

A low doc car loan is another type of novated leasing option, which can be a good choice if you need a loan with minimal documentation.

A car loan vs novated lease comparison can help you decide which option is best for you, so be sure to do your research and get a quick novated lease quote to see how much you could save.

Salary Packaging

Close-up shot of a sleek yellow luxury sports car headlight, showcasing elegance and design.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up shot of a sleek yellow luxury sports car headlight, showcasing elegance and design.

You could save on income tax through salary packaging. In Australia, non-cash benefits provided to an employee are regarded as fringe benefits, and employers must pay fringe benefits tax (FBT) on the value of these benefits.

Cars are treated in a concessional manner by the fringe benefits legislation, allowing the value of the fringe benefit to be set at 20% of the original purchase price of the vehicle, less stamp duty, motor vehicle registration, and Compulsory Third Party Insurance.

This means you can save thousands in tax by driving your dream car, as Maxxia's novated leasing can source your car and negotiate a great price, manage the paperwork, and arrange the finance and insurance.

The fringe benefit value may be reduced to two thirds of the original value at the start of the FBT year (1 April) following 4 full years since the purchase of the vehicle by the lessor.

Employer Benefits

As an employer, you can offer your employees a novated lease, which can be a win-win for both parties. You could save thousands in tax, all thanks to Maxxia's novated leasing.

Side view of faceless male in black clothing washing car with foam in yard of house in daytime
Credit: pexels.com, Side view of faceless male in black clothing washing car with foam in yard of house in daytime

Novated leasing can help reduce your employees' taxable income, making it a great perk to offer. This can be a cost-effective way to attract and retain top talent.

By offering a novated lease, you can also reduce the administrative burden on your HR team. Let Maxxia do the heavy lifting, and they can source the car, negotiate the price, manage the paperwork, and arrange the finance and insurance.

You can choose from a novated lease, loan, or cash, so you can pick the option that best suits your company's needs.

Getting Started

Getting Started is the first step to understanding how novated leasing works. Download our free guide to novated leasing for employers, it has all the answers you seek. This guide is a valuable resource that will help you navigate the process.

Lease Options and Considerations

You can choose from a range of novated lease options, including a bad credit novated lease or a used car novated lease.

White Mercedes Benz Cars
Credit: pexels.com, White Mercedes Benz Cars

Novated leasing is available on new, used, and even existing cars, making it a flexible option for those looking to upgrade or change their vehicle.

Novated leasing allows you to bundle not only your lease payments but also your car's running costs, including petrol, charging, insurance, rego, and servicing, into one convenient regular payment.

Job Change Considerations

If you're planning on changing jobs, it's good to know that novated leasing arrangements are fully transferable. This means you can take your lease with you to your new employer.

You'll still be able to make payments towards a novated lease even if you leave your current job. The lease obligations can be transferred directly to you rather than your employer.

In some cases, your new employer may take on the lease obligations, which can be a big advantage.

Lease Options and Considerations

Novated leasing is a great option for those who want to salary package a new, used or existing car. You can even lease a car you already own, which can be a convenient way to upgrade your vehicle.

Smiling Latin American female remote employee working on netbook at table with photo camera in house
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling Latin American female remote employee working on netbook at table with photo camera in house

There are several lease options to consider, including novated leasing, which allows you to lease a car through your employer. Did you know you can salary package a new, used or existing car?

Leasing a car can be a cost-effective way to drive a new car every few years, but it's essential to understand the terms and conditions of your lease.

The Maxxia Way

Maxxia is one of Australia's largest novated leasing providers. They specialize in helping people get the car they want while also providing convenience and potential tax savings.

Their approach focuses on salary packaging a car, which can make it more affordable. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a car without the full financial burden.

Maxxia's expertise in novated leasing is a significant advantage for their clients.

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.