Employers say they will not automatically raise travel allowances if the cabinet increases the tax‑free mileage rate from 23 to 25 cents. Many companies warn that a higher allowance would reduce their wage margins. Employers’ association AWVN shared these findings on Monday after surveying nearly four hundred, mostly larger, companies.
An AWVN spokesperson stressed that the change does not remove costs for employers. “They are simply costs,” the spokesperson said. “It may seem free, but it is not. It only means the tax authorities will not intervene when employers offer a higher reimbursement.” AWVN says even a small increase can lead to significant extra spending.
The cabinet plans to present a package of energy measures on Monday to reduce costs and cut energy use. Earlier leaks showed that ministers are considering a higher tax‑free mileage allowance. AWVN supports a higher exemption, but it urges employers to decide carefully who actually needs more compensation.
The debate mainly concerns commuting. At some companies, most employees travel by public transport. AWVN notes that this situation differs from workplaces where most people commute by car. Many employers expect to raise the mileage rate for business travel. According to the spokesperson, employers do not want staff to lose money when they must drive somewhere for work.
@ANP | News Brainport
