Introduction
Caring for employee well-being is not only a way to improve their health but also an effective tool to enhance their productivity and loyalty to the company. In Estonia, employers can take advantage of unique tax benefits aimed at supporting sports and health activities for their employees. Let’s explore how it works and why it is beneficial for businesses.
Basics of Tax Benefits for Health and Sports
Estonian legislation allows employers to reimburse employees' health and sports expenses without taxation, within a limit of 100 euros per quarter per person. However, the benefit is valid under certain conditions:
- Availability for all employees.
The benefits must be available to all employees with an employment contract, as well as members of the company's management bodies and other staff working under a contract for at least six months.
- Restrictions.
The benefit does not apply to spouses, partners, and relatives of employees, as well as employees of other companies within the group.
- Personal accounting.
Each employee is entitled to their share of the benefit — 100 euros per quarter, which cannot be redistributed among other employees or carried over to the next quarter.
What can be reimbursed?
The employer can cover the following expenses:
- Participation in mass sports events.
For example, marathons, cycling races, or other public events open to everyone.
- Memberships for regular sports activities.
Visits to gyms, swimming pools, yoga, fitness, dance classes, and other types of activities.
- Maintenance of company sports facilities.
If the company has its own gym or sports facility, maintenance costs can be included as part of the benefit.
- Health recovery services.
For example, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and consultations with clinical psychologists registered in the healthcare system.
- Voluntary medical insurance.
Insurance for employees not covered by the public system or expanding the range of medical services.
What cannot be reimbursed?
The benefits do not apply to:
- The purchase of sports clothing and equipment (e.g., sneakers, rackets, bicycles).
- One-time events, such as corporate sports days or rental of sports facilities.
- Services not related to regular physical activity (meditation, cosmetic procedures, SPA, etc.).
How does it work?
Example 1.
In a company with 10 employees, 2 of them used the benefit. The employer reimburses their expenses at 100 euros per person per quarter. The total amount of benefits will be 200 euros, and it is tax-exempt.
Example 2.
The company signed a contract with a fitness club for 1,500 euros per quarter. Out of 20 employees, only 10 use the memberships. In this case, the employer can reimburse 1,000 euros (10 × 100 euros) tax-free. The remaining 500 euros are subject to taxation.
Cooperation with the accounting department
If you wish to apply tax benefits for health and sports for your employees, be sure to notify our support service, as this requires the submission of a separate tax declaration.
It is also important to remember that all expenses must be documented and submitted to the accountant. Without supporting documents, such reimbursements to employees cannot be made. Otherwise, such payments will be taxed as salary.
Conclusion
Tax benefits for health and sports are an excellent opportunity for employers to invest in their employees while saving on taxes. Such an initiative not only improves the team’s health but also increases the company’s competitiveness in the labor market. However, this opportunity does not mean that all expenses can go undocumented. Keep in mind that by offering such benefits to employees, the "paperwork" for your company will increase.