NIM02413 - Class 1: Vouchers - non-cash vouchers - definition
Regulation 1(2) Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001
Section 84 ITEPA 2003
The definition of “non-cash voucher” for NICs purposes is the same as that for tax purposes (see EIM16040). That is:
- a voucher, stamp or similar document or token;
- which is capable of being exchanged, either alone or with another such voucher, stamp or similar document or token;
- immediately or after a time;
- for money, goods or services.
The definition:
- includes a cheque voucher, a transport voucher and, from 6t h April 2005, a childcare voucher; but
- excludes a cash voucher (see NIM02497).
A cheque voucher means a cheque:
- provided for an employee; and
- intended for use by the employee wholly or mainly for the payment for:
- particular goods or services; or
- goods or services of one or more particular types.
A transport voucher means a ticket, pass, document or token intended to enable a person to obtain passenger transport services. The voucher does not have to be capable of being exchanged.
So a travel pass which an employee simply has to show in order to use, for instance, a bus is a transport voucher. As, too, is a season ticket.
A childcare voucher means a voucher, stamp or similar document or token intended to enable a person to obtain the provision of childcare, whether or not the voucher has to be exchanged to get the care. So an electronic voucher - ie, one that pays for childcare electronically and doesn’t involve a paper voucher - is within this definition.
For details of the types of non-cash voucher which are disregarded for NICs purposes, see NIM02416.