New fuel scale charge flat rates apply from next week

Using the fuel scale charge means you can reclaim VAT on all fuel costs, including that for private travel. However, you must then account for VAT on a notional sale of fuel set by HMRC (the scale charge) which varies according to the CO2 emissions of each car. The higher the CO2 figure, the greater the charge. If there’s more than one vehicle, a scale charge applies for each. The scale charge reduces your paperwork for each quarter, as there's no need to keep detailed mileage records. As an added perk, there will be fewer records for an officer to pick through in the event of a business records check.

On the downside, the scale charge can be inefficient if the private mileage is relatively low. In these circumstances you may be better off if you require employees to keep detailed records, or have them reimburse the private proportion. If you do want to use the scale charge, ensure you change the flat rate with effect from 1 May as these have now been published.