Did you know? Companies can claim the TEAM-Relay for tax purposes!

Team sports events are not only very popular with employees, but also with their employers. Company participation in a relay race, such as the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay, offers employees a great incentive to exercise more. This reduces absenteeism and sickness costs, while productivity and motivation increase. What many people don't know: Employers can also claim the operating expenses of a company run on their tax returns.

From the entry fee to the matching running shirts to the team tent – depending on the type of participation, costs can vary. Employers can claim these in full or in part as business expenses to the tax office. There are different options:

110 euros: participation in the relay as a company event

Participation in the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay can be claimed by employers as a company event. Up to 110 euros including VAT per person are exempt from tax and social security contributions. If the sum is higher, the additional amount can be taxed as a so-called non-cash benefit at a flat rate of 25%.

The tax authorities accept a total of two company events per calendar year; if there are more events, the two most expensive ones may be claimed. Important prerequisite: All employees – or an entire department in the case of large companies – must be invited, and there is also an obligation to document the names of those who actually attend.

^{Happy at the finish of the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay 2023}

50 Euro exemption limit for non-cash benefits

Whether it is a fuel discount, shopping vouchers or participation in the the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay – so-called tax-free benefits in kind are an attractive option for employee benefits. These are benefits or goods that are provided in addition to the salary.

This salary bonus is tax-free up to an allowance of 50 euros per month. Important conditions: The benefits in kind do not constitute a component of the salary owed anyway, no payment in the form of cash and the limit of 50 euros must not be exceeded, otherwise the entire amount becomes taxable.