When it comes to acquiring a vehicle for business use, businesses have several financing options at their disposal. Two popular choices are novated leasing and chattel mortgages. While both options have their merits, this blog will explore why novated leasing might be a superior choice for business driving needs.
Novated Leasing Demystified
Novated leasing is a financial arrangement that involves three parties: the employee, the employer, and a financing company. In this setup, an employee selects a vehicle of their choice and leases it with the help of their employer. The employer deducts lease payments, running costs, and insurance premiums directly from the employee’s pre-tax salary, offering significant tax benefits.
What is a Chattel Mortgage?
A chattel mortgage is a type of commercial car finance, wherein a business borrows funds to purchase a vehicle. The business then owns the vehicle from day one and claims tax benefits through depreciation and interest deductions.
Now, let’s delve into why novated leasing may outshine chattel mortgages for business use driving:
Tax Benefits
One of the primary reasons businesses opt for novated leasing is the substantial tax advantages it offers. Under a novated lease, both the employee and employer enjoy tax benefits. The employee can reduce their taxable income by paying for the lease, fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs from their pre-tax salary. Employers also benefit from reduced payroll tax as these expenses are shifted off the company’s books. In contrast, a chattel mortgage primarily provides tax deductions through depreciation and interest expenses, which may not be as advantageous as pre-tax salary deductions.
Fixed Costs
Novated leasing provides a predictable and consistent monthly cost structure for employees. This makes budgeting and financial planning much more straightforward. Chattel mortgages, while offering some level of predictability, may come with more variable costs, especially if interest rates fluctuate.
Flexibility and Convenience
Novated leases are highly flexible. Employees can choose the vehicle they prefer, and the lease can include all associated costs, such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance. This flexibility ensures that employees have access to a vehicle that suits their needs while the business enjoys the financial benefits. Chattel mortgages, on the other hand, require the business to handle all associated costs separately, which can be administratively burdensome.
No Resale Hassles
With novated leasing, the responsibility of selling the vehicle at the end of the lease term falls on the employee, not the employer. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with resale issues, which can be a concern with chattel mortgages.
Risk Mitigation
Chattel mortgages require businesses to assume full responsibility for the vehicle, including depreciation and market fluctuations. Novated leasing transfers much of this risk to the financing company, providing greater peace of mind for businesses.
While both novated leasing and chattel mortgages have their merits, novated leasing emerges as a more tax-efficient, flexible, and hassle-free option for businesses looking to acquire vehicles for business use driving. Its ability to offer tax benefits to both employees and employers, along with its predictability and convenience, makes it a compelling choice for businesses across Australia.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to consult with financial experts or specialists in salary packaging to determine the best fit for your specific business needs. Nonetheless, novated leasing’s unique advantages can undoubtedly make it a top contender in your search for the ideal vehicle financing solution for business driving.