Novated Lease Calculator
Calculate savings from a novated lease arrangement. Compare pre-tax vs post-tax car costs, including GST savings and FBT. EVs are FBT exempt.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results are based on standard formulas and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a novated lease?
Why are EVs FBT-exempt?
What are the savings on a typical novated lease?
What happens at the end of the lease?
What is Novated Lease?
Calculator for novated lease arrangements — a tax-effective way to fund a vehicle through pre-tax salary deductions. Models pre-tax/post-tax split, GST credits, FBT exemption for EVs, and net cost savings versus buying outright with after-tax money.
How this calculator works
Enter the vehicle price, lease term, your salary and marginal tax rate, and the calculator computes: monthly pre-tax deductions (lease + estimated running costs), GST credits captured by employer/leaseco, FBT liability (or exemption for EVs), and total cost vs after-tax purchase. Most useful for $30k-$80k vehicles on 3-5 year terms.
How a Novated Lease Works
Three-way agreement: employee + employer + lease company (e.g. Maxxia, SG Fleet, Smartleasing). The employer agrees to make lease payments and budgeted running costs from your pre-tax salary. The lease company owns the vehicle. You drive it. At end of lease you owe a residual ('balloon') set by ATO formula (typically 28-46.875% of original price).
EV Exemption from FBT
Per Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act 2022, eligible EVs (and PHEVs until April 2025) priced under the LCT threshold ($91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles 2024-25) are FBT-EXEMPT for novated leases. Saves $5k-$15k+ per year for high earners. Pure EVs remain exempt indefinitely; PHEVs lose exemption from 1 April 2025. Hydrogen FCEVs are also exempt.
Statutory Method vs Operating Cost (FBT)
STATUTORY METHOD (most common): FBT = car cost × 20% × % private use (default 100% for novated leases). Simpler, predictable. OPERATING COST METHOD: FBT based on actual running costs × business-use % (requires logbook). Better if business-use % > 30%. Most novated leases use Statutory because the car is mostly private use.
Pre-Tax vs Post-Tax Split
To avoid FBT, novated leases use the 'Employee Contribution Method' (ECM): split lease payments into pre-tax (saves income tax) and post-tax (covers FBT). Post-tax portion = 20% × car cost ÷ 12 months = the FBT 'employee contribution' that nets the FBT to zero. EVs avoid this entirely (FBT exempt = 100% pre-tax).
Total Cost Comparison
For a $50k EV on 5-year novated lease: typical total cost $55k-$65k (pre + post tax + residual). Buying outright with after-tax money on same $50k car: $73k-$80k for someone on 32% marginal rate (need $73k pre-tax to fund $50k after tax). Novated lease typical saving: $15k-$25k. Higher salary = higher savings (more tax avoided).
Risks and Lock-in
Leaving your job mid-lease — you need to either pay out the residual + remaining lease, transfer the lease to a new employer (if they accept), or continue paying as a personal lease. Vehicle damage/theft — comprehensive insurance bundled. Running cost overruns — your contributions cover 'budgeted' costs; over-runs come from your post-tax income (or rolled into next year).
Updated for the 2025-26 financial year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026).
Official Sources
All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the ATO and official Australian government sources.