The temporary takeaway and delivery inclusion for your Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation card is back.
Going out for dinner isn’t as simple as it used to be. In fact, it’s just not possible for many Aussies right now.
But there’s some good news: the Australian Tax Office has reinstated COVID-friendly inclusions for all Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation cardholders. This means that you can now use your card to purchase takeaway or delivery meals – but there are some rules to be aware of: you can only use your card when ordering food from a business that was an eligible vendor* from 1 April 2021, and only while they are required to stop offering dine-in services due to COVID-19 public health orders.
We can also confirm that orders through third-party ordering services (such as Uber Eats, Menulog, and Deliveroo) are also eligible.
However, this inclusion is temporary and is only valid until the end of this fringe benefits tax year (31 March 2022).
The new regulations come at a critical time. Almost two years into the pandemic, many Australian businesses have been impacted by long lockdowns; this is a great opportunity to show support for your favourite local restaurants by ordering breakfast, lunch, or dinner using tax-free dollars. It’s a win-win.
*Under normal circumstances, eligible vendors are classified as restaurants, pubs, cafes, and other eateries that offer dine-in services. Currently, vendors that have closed dine-in services and only offer takeaway or delivery food in line with COVID-19 restrictions are also eligible.
