
The Sodexo Meal Card, also called Pluxee Meal Benefit in India, is a popular employee perk that many firms provide to improve employee satisfaction and well-being. Along with providing employees with the ease of cashless purchases for their meals, groceries, non-alcoholic beverages and more, the Sodexo Meal Card also offers considerable tax breaks. Let us explore the Sodexo tax benefit on its meal card, its usability, and additional advantages.
Key Highlights
- Employees can avail Sodexo tax benefit, saving big on taxes by utilising the Sodexo Meal Card.
- The Sodexo Meal Card is accepted in a wide range of restaurants and food shops.
- Aids companies deliver non-monetary rewards and increase employee happiness.
- Includes an easy-to-use software for tracking and administration.
- The Sodexo Meal Card can be tailored to unique company requirements.
Perks of Sodexo Meal Card: Sodexo Tax Benefit
Sodexo Tax Benefit to Employees:
- Significant tax savings to employees on meal cards - estimated at INR 12,000 per year.
- Employer-provided card allowances provide Sodexo tax exemption up to a specified amount, in compliance with the Income Tax Act.
- Reduces their taxable income and, as a result, their tax responsibility.
Convenience of Cashless Transactions
- Another factor of enhanced Sodexo tax benefit is enabling employees cashless purchases.
- The food establishments include restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and online meal delivery services.
- Eliminates the hassle of carrying cash and streamlines the process of buying food and groceries.
Broad Acceptance
- The Sodexo Meal Card is accepted at over 100,000 outlets across India, ensuring employees have a wide variety of options to choose from.
- This vast acceptance network allows employees to use their meal cards practically anywhere, increasing their overall convenience and enhancing Sodexo tax benefits.
Sodexo Tax Benefit for Employers
- Employers profit from providing Sodexo Meal Cards to their employees.
- Meal cards generate appealing non-monetary rewards, Sodexo card tax benefit, enhancing staff morale and satisfaction.
- Additionally, there is Sodexo coupon tax benefit. These vouchers can be awarded for employee well-being, loaded directly on their cards, and in turn, magnify the employer's brand image.
Digital Solutions and Management
- Sodexo Meal Cards have a user-friendly mobile app and website that allows employees to track their spending, check their card balance, account details, and transaction history, and handle transactions quickly.
- This digital solution improves the user experience and keeps employees informed about their food allotment utilisation.
Sodexo Tax Exemptions in India
Sodexo Meal Cards can provide tax breaks, bringing financial benefits to both employees and companies. Here are the main details of these exemptions:
Tax-Free Allowance
The Sodexo Food Card Tax Exemption provides employees with a tax-free meal allowance of up to INR 50 per meal, which equates to INR 2,500 per month if used for two meals a day, as per Section 17(2)(VIII) of the Income Tax Act.
Section 10(14) Exemption
You might wonder the Meal Card Tax exemption falls under which section to assess its legibility. To answer your question, the Sodexo tax exemption falls under Section 10(14) of the Income Tax Act of 1961, which states that the meal vouchers or cards issued by businesses to employees are tax-free up to a certain level.
Reduced Taxable Income
Employees who use the Sodexo Meal Card can reduce their taxable income, resulting in a lesser tax bill and more take-home pay.
Fringe Benefit Tax
Employers are not required to pay Fringe Benefit Tax on meal allowances granted through the Sodexo Meal Card, making it an affordable advantage for businesses and enjoying another Sodexo tax benefit.
No Proof Required
If an employee needs to claim the tax exemption, there is no requirement to submit any bills or proofs as meal card transactions are automatically recorded and accounted for.
Higher Savings
The Sodexo tax benefit result in higher savings for employees, making it an appealing component of the total pay package.
Non-Taxable Benefit
The amount placed onto the Sodexo Meal Card is considered a non-taxable benefit, as long as it is utilised within the limitations and standards established by the Income Tax Department.
Learn Tax Saving Tips to Make the Most of Your Sodexo Meal Card
The Sodexo Meal Card is a great employee perk that provides substantial tax savings and convenience. It is generally accepted at many food establishments and grocery stores, improving employee satisfaction and well-being. Employers profit using this card, reaping non-monetary rewards of Sodexo tax benefit, which boosts morale and enhances the workplace atmosphere.Now that you know meal card exemptions are under which section which further maximise the Sodexo tax benefit, you can comprehensively utilise your Sodexo Meal Card for many great benefits and enjoy a hassle-free, cashless dining experience.
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Sodexo Meal Card?
Employers supply employees with the Sodexo Meal Card, a prepaid card that allows them to purchase meals and food supplies, and offers additional Sodexo tax benefit.
How does the Pluxee Meal Card provide Sodexo tax benefit?
Meal allowances supplied via the Sodexo Meal Card are tax-exempt up to a specified amount, lowering taxable income for employees.
The Sodexo Meal Card tax exemption is under which section?
The Sodexo Tax Exemption section is covered under Section 17(2) of the Income Tax Act.
What are some of the major partners of Sodexo Meal Card in India?
Partners in India where Pluxee Meal Card can be utilised with Sodexo tax benefit are:
Supermarkets: Big Bazaar, Reliance Fresh, More, Spencers.
Restaurants: Domino’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway.
Online Food Delivery: Zomato, Swiggy, FreshMenu.
Retail Chains: Nature’s Basket, HyperCity, Godrej Nature’s Basket.
Cafes and Bakeries: Barista, Café Coffee Day, Theobroma.
How can I check the balance of my Sodexo Meal Card?
You can check your card balance via the Sodexo mobile app or on the Sodexo website.
Can I use the Sodexo Meal Card to place online food orders?
Yes, the Sodexo Meal Card can be used to place online meal orders with partner retailers.
Is the Sodexo Meal Card secure?
Yes, the Sodexo Meal Card has PIN and OTP protection to ensure secure transactions.
Can companies customise the Sodexo Meal Card programme?
Yes, companies can tailor the meal card programme to their requirements and rules.
What is the Sodexo maximum limit for tax exemption?
The Sodexo maximum limit for tax exemption is ₹50 per meal, per day on the meal card.
What regulatory tax compliance must be followed regarding the Sodexo Meal Card
If you want to continue to enjoy Sodexo tax benefit, you must adhere to the following regulations:
Employer Responsibility: Issue the Sodexo Meal Card as part of salary package and maintain records.
Employee Use: Purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages only.
Transaction Limits: Adhere to daily (₹50 per meal) and monthly (₹2200) limits.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of transactions.
Periodic Review: Ensure ongoing compliance with tax regulations.
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.

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