What does FBT and ECM mean?
Before your novated lease starts
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is a tax which is applied to benefits you receive from your employer that are not in the form of cash salary or wages. For example, a novated lease is a benefit outside your cash salary or wages – so it is subject to FBT. As of the 1st April 2017, the FBT rate is 47%.
This is where the ECM bit kicks in. A standard novated lease calculation, the ECM – or "employee-contribution" method – helps offset any FBT you may be liable to pay on your novated lease. By making after-tax as well as pre-tax payments you reduce the taxable value of your car and minimise the risk of FBT liability at the end of the FBT year (31 March).
Disclaimer: This general information doesn’t take your personal circumstances into account. Please consider whether this information is right for you before making a decision and seek professional independent tax or financial advice. Employers should independently consider whether a benefits program is appropriate for their organisation and seek advice where appropriate. Conditions and fees apply, along with credit assessment criteria for lease and loan products. The availability of benefits is subject to your organisation’s approval. Maxxia may receive commissions in connection with its services. Maxxia does not act as your agent or representative (or provide you with any advice or recommendations) in respect of the purchase of any vehicle.